Opetaia enters fight camp for potential Wilder heavyweight clash

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 03:32 · Archive

Australian cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia has entered fight camp ahead of a potential heavyweight debut against former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

Jai Opetaia, the unbeaten Australian cruiserweight champion with a record of 31-0, has entered fight camp at his Gold Coast base ahead of a potential heavyweight debut against former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. The bout would feature on Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua's December card at Cardiff's Principality Stadium. Opetaia is in talks with Wilder but is one of several options on the table, so the fight is not yet a done deal.

The potential clash would be part of what is forecast to be the most lucrative boxing event ever staged in Europe, with gate takings predicted to exceed $50 million. At 40 years old, Wilder poses a significant risk due to his height and punching power. Opetaia has previously agreed to fight David Benavidez in May next year but is keen to stay busy and raise his profile in the meantime.

Opetaia holds The Ring championship title. He beat WBC champion Noel Mikaelian in Las Vegas in September, with Mikaelian surrendering his belt for the opportunity to fight the Australian. Opetaia remains engaged in a US court dispute with the IBF, which stripped him of their belt after he won Dana White's Zuffa Boxing league's inaugural world title.

How it is being reported

• Weight and see as Opetaia enters fight mode for WilderJai Opetaia has entered fight camp in preparation for a potential heavyweight debut against former world champion Deontay Wilder.Perth Now · 20 Oct, 03:23
• Weight and see as Opetaia enters fight mode for WilderJai Opetaia has entered fight camp in preparation for a potential heavyweight debut against former world champion Deontay Wilder.The West Australian · 20 Oct, 03:23

In this story: Jai Opetaia · Deontay Wilder · Tyson Fury · Anthony Joshua · David Benavidez · Noel Mikaelian · Cardiff · Australia

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