Former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder is reportedly closing in on a high-profile return to the ring, having accepted an offer to feature on the blockbuster Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua undercard. While the potential showdown at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on December 11 would see the American slugger welcome Australia’s Jai Opetaia to the heavyweight division, the explosive Alabama native is also weighing up an alternative path involving WBA champion Murat Gassiev.
The developments mark the latest chapter in the turbulent career of the man known globally as the "Bronze Bomber." Wilder is currently coming off a hard-fought and chaotic split decision victory over British veteran Derek Chisora last April. That memorable encounter saw the American twice floor the durable Chisora in a thrilling heavyweight battle that once again highlighted the undeniable, game-changing power that has defined Wilder’s decade at the elite level of the sport.
Following his triumph over Chisora, widespread reports initially suggested that Wilder was on a collision course with unified heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk. Fans and pundits alike anticipated a massive showdown between the knockout artist and the Ukrainian technician, only for those proposed Zuffa Boxing plans to abruptly fall apart behind the scenes. The collapse of the Usyk bout left Wilder’s immediate future shrouded in uncertainty, prompting his team to scout out alternative opponents capable of delivering a major pay-per-view spectacle.
Now, it appears that trajectory has shifted dramatically toward the cruiserweight division, specifically targeting a clash with former two-time world champion Jai Opetaia. The Australian star is riding high following an impressive ninth-round stoppage victory over Noel Mikaelian last month, a performance that further solidified his reputation as one of the most formidable operators in the lower weight classes. That victory not only extended Opetaia’s undefeated professional record but also set the stage for an explosive future confrontation. Following his win over Mikaelian, Opetaia went face-to-face with cruiserweight rival David Benavidez, with the pair verbally agreeing to collide on Cinco de Mayo weekend in 2027.
Before turning his attention to Benavidez, however, Opetaia is reportedly entertaining the prospect of moving up to the heavyweight division to test his skills against the former WBC champion. According to veteran boxing reporter Dan Rafael, Wilder and his management have officially accepted their end of the deal to square off against Opetaia as the chief support act for the eagerly anticipated Fury-Joshua mega-fight.
The news was confirmed by Wilder’s long-time manager, Shelly Finkel, who provided insight into the ongoing negotiations and alternative options being explored for the hard-hitting American. Speaking on the current state of affairs, Finkel revealed that the team has given the green light for the Opetaia matchup while simultaneously keeping other avenues open.
"Spoke to Deontay Wilder manager Shelly Finkel, who said they’ve accepted offer for Wilder to face Jai Opetaia in the [Fury-Joshua] co-feature and are awaiting word if it’s a go. They’ve also had talks about Wilder facing WBA titlist Murat Gassiev," Rafael reported on social media.
While the prospect of facing Opetaia on the historic Fury-Joshua undercard at the Principality Stadium offers massive global exposure and financial reward, Wilder’s team is also actively evaluating a potential clash with WBA "regular" champion Murat Gassiev. The Russian puncher represents a vastly different style and challenge, boasting a fearsome reputation as one of the heavyweight division’s most devastating knockout artists.
Gassiev’s championship standing within the WBA has been somewhat complicated and overshadowed by the upcoming undisputed-style showdown between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua, who are set to battle for the governing body’s "super" title. Despite the murky political landscape of the heavyweight titles, Gassiev remains an elite, dangerous contender capable of testing any fighter’s chin and tactical discipline.
For Wilder, taking on either Opetaia or Gassiev represents a significant step back into the championship mix following a period of career reconstruction. At 40 years of age, the former WBC champion remains acutely aware that every subsequent fight carries massive implications for his legacy and future aspirations in the sport. Whether he ultimately steps into the ring in Cardiff to welcome Opetaia to the heavyweight ranks or pivots toward a world title clash with Gassiev, the Bronze Bomber’s next move promises to deliver the high-drama action that boxing fans have come to expect whenever the devastating puncher laces up his gloves. As negotiations continue and final approvals are awaited, the heavyweight division stands on high alert for Wilder’s explosive return.
