Deontay Wilder vs Jai Opetaia is officially confirmed for the Fury vs Joshua card at Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday, December 11, 2026. Netflix announced the fight on November 4, and it will be the co-feature to Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua, streamed live worldwide.
It is the first official addition to the undercard, five days after reports said the two camps had agreed terms.
Wilder vs Opetaia at a Glance
| Deontay Wilder | Jai Opetaia | |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 45-4-1, 43 KOs | 31-0, 24 KOs |
| Age | 41 | 31 |
| From | Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA | Australia |
| Olympics | Bronze, Beijing 2008 | Competed at London 2012, aged 16 |
| Titles | WBC heavyweight champion, 2015 to 2020 | Former IBF cruiserweight champion; won the vacant WBA cruiserweight title in September |
| Last fight | Beat Derek Chisora on a split decision (April 2026) | Beat Noel Mikaelian (September 2026) |
Why Wilder vs Opetaia Is a Big Test for Both
Opetaia is moving up from cruiserweight to heavyweight for the first time. He is one of the most skilled fighters in the sport and has never lost as a professional, but he has never been hit by a puncher like Wilder.
Wilder needs a statement win. After losing twice to Tyson Fury, he dropped four of five fights between 2020 and 2025 before beating Derek Chisora in April. At 41, his right hand is still his biggest weapon, and one clean shot can change any fight.
The style clash is simple: speed, movement and skill against one of the hardest punches in heavyweight history.
The Dana White Question
Zuffa Boxing’s Dana White was the first to reveal the fight, describing it as a co-headliner. Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has said White is barred by contract from any official role in the event, so expect more back and forth between the two promoters before fight night.
Fury vs Joshua Undercard So Far
- Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua: confirmed main event
- Deontay Wilder vs Jai Opetaia: confirmed co-feature
- Joseph Parker vs Frazer Clarke: reported, not announced
Manny Pacquiao is no longer expected on the card. For the full breakdown, prediction and start time, see our Wilder vs Opetaia guide. Follow every change on our Fury vs Joshua undercard page, and check the Fury vs Joshua start time for your time zone.
Sources: Netflix Tudum, Yahoo Sports and Bloody Elbow.
