Following the highly anticipated announcement of the Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua undercard, leading boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has suggested that at least two of the major matchups scheduled for the event may not actually take place.
The blockbuster fight card, which has captured the attention of the global boxing community, is currently slated to feature a series of high-profile encounters. However, according to Matchroom boss Hearn, behind-the-
scenes complications, regulatory hurdles, and contractual disputes could severely disrupt the plans for Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on December 11.
One of the marquee bouts under scrutiny is the intriguing heavyweight collision between former world champion Deontay Wilder and cruiserweight standout Jai Opetaia. Opetaia, who has firmly established his dominance by becoming a two-time world champion at the 200lbs limit, is looking to make a brief and calculated excursion to the heavyweight division. The talented Australian fighter’s long-term strategic roadmap reportedly includes a targeted showdown with David Benavidez in 2027, making this heavyweight test an important stepping stone in his career trajectory.
On the other side of the ring stands Deontay Wilder, a fighter whose storied career has defined an era of heavyweight boxing. Wilder is widely considered by analysts and insiders to be on the very brink of retirement. Despite the looming prospect of hanging up his gloves, the American remains an exceptionally dangerous puncher, a reputation he reinforced during his split decision victory over veteran contender Derek Chisora in April.
Back in that spring encounter, Wilder managed to score two crucial knockdowns in what developed into a largely chaotic affair. Yet, at the age of 41, it is fair to acknowledge that the former WBC heavyweight champion is not quite the devastating force he once was during his peak years. Even so, a matchup between Wilder and the technically proficient Opetaia presents an enthralling stylistic clash that has fans eager for fight night.
Despite the natural appeal of the contest, Eddie Hearn has voiced significant skepticism. Speaking recently in an interview with IFL TV, the Matchroom promoter revealed that the chief support slot for the Fury-Joshua card might be in genuine jeopardy.
"I might be wrong, but this is what I’ve been told – that there could be a problem with that fight," Hearn stated, casting immediate doubt over the status of the Wilder versus Opetaia pairing.
The concerns raised by Hearn do not stop with the heavyweight co-feature. In addition to casting doubt on Wilder and Opetaia, Hearn suggested that another crucial undercard bout—this one pitting Martin Bakole against Solomon Adebayo—could also be scrapped entirely before fight week arrives.
The potential cancellation of the Bakole versus Adebayo matchup appears to stem from a combination of regulatory misgivings and recent ring history. Adebayo suffered a devastating first-round knockout defeat during an IBA-sanctioned show in July 2025. Coupled with the fact that Martin Bakole has remained inactive and has not stepped into the professional boxing ring for approximately 17 months, the viability of the bout is facing intense scrutiny.
"Adebayo got knocked out in a round on some IBA show in July 2025; Martin Bakole hasn’t boxed for around 17 months. I don’t even know if that fight will be approved by the British Boxing Board of Control," Hearn remarked, highlighting the very real possibility that boxing regulators may withhold the necessary licensing for the contest to proceed safely and legally.
While licensing and regulatory hurdles present a substantial obstacle, as Hearn pointed out, additional complications have surfaced away from the regulatory commissions. Reports have emerged indicating that promoter Ben Shalom is actively exploring legal action. Shalom maintains that heavy-hitting contender Martin Bakole remains legally bound under an existing promotional contract with Boxxer, setting the stage for a potential legal battle over promotional rights and fighter availability ahead of the December 11 card.
As the boxing world counts down the weeks toward the scheduled fight night at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, the future of these vital undercard bouts remains uncertain. With promotional disputes, regulatory evaluations by the British Boxing Board of Control, and questions surrounding fighter status hanging in the balance, the final lineup for the Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua event may undergo significant changes before the fighters make their way to the ring.
