The boxing world is eagerly awaiting official confirmation, but preparations are already well underway for what promises to be one of the most monumental events in modern combat sports history. Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are set to collide in a massive heavyweight blockbuster scheduled for December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. In a move that signals a seismic shift in how major combat sports are distributed, global streaming giant Netflix is slated to broadcast the entire spectacle live to millions of subscribers around the world.
While the main event itself commands staggering global attention, the supporting cast for the Cardiff card is shaping up to be equally extraordinary. Although the undercard has yet to be formally unveiled by promoters or streaming executives, a flurry of reports, social media callouts, and promoter statements have linked as many as eight potential matchups to the historic event. World Boxing News has closely tracked these developments, identifying a mix of concrete negotiations, fiery callouts, and intriguing preliminary discussions involving some of the most recognizable names in boxing and combat sports.
From former heavyweight champions potentially sharing a card with their old rivals to crossover combat superstars and elite young contenders on the cusp of greatness, the developing lineup suggests that Netflix and powerbroker Turki Alalshikh are assembling a truly stacked night of action. While some of these prospective bouts are progressing through serious talks, others remain in the realm of promotional ambition or social media maneuvering. As fans and media outlets await the official unveiling, the sheer scale of the rumored undercard highlights the massive magnitude of the December 11 pay-per-view spectacle.
Opetaia vs. Wilder
Among the most eye-catching and dangerous matchups linked to the Cardiff card is a potential cruiserweight-to-heavyweight showdown between division standout Jai Opetaia and former long-reigning WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder. According to recent reports from Sky Sports, discussions have explored the possibility of the hard-hitting Australian cruiserweight star stepping into the ring against the devastating American puncher.
Wilder’s potential involvement carries a rich layer of narrative irony given his storied history with Tyson Fury. The American famously shared three unforgettable, wars with Fury during their legendary trilogy, etching their names into boxing folklore. Should Wilder appear on the undercard of a Fury-headlined event once again, it would instantly reignite memories of their past encounters and bring the American’s formidable presence back into the heavyweight spotlight. Adding further momentum to the prospective pairing, UFC CEO Dana White has publicly confirmed his backing, stating that he would love to see the high-stakes fight added to the Netflix broadcast.
Hrgovic vs. Sanchez
The heavyweight division’s depth could be further showcased on the supporting bill through a prospective IBF heavyweight title-associated clash between Filip Hrgovic and Frank Sanchez. Hrgovic currently holds a mandatory obligation that points him toward a collision with the unbeaten Cuban contender, making this a natural pairing for a major international card.
However, the matchmaking landscape remains fluid. Hrgovic has also expressed a strong personal interest in facing Dutch kickboxing legend Rico Verhoeven on the Cardiff bill, introducing a potential conflict in the Croatian contender’s plans. Whether boxing politics and mandatory positions clear the path for Sanchez to secure his long-awaited opportunity, or whether an entirely different agreement is reached before December 11, remains one of the many moving parts confronting the event’s organizers.
Overeem vs. Verhoeven
Crossover combat sports intrigue could reach a fever pitch if a rumored matchup between former UFC heavyweight star Alistair Overeem and kickboxing kingpin Rico Verhoeven comes to fruition. Overeem recently announced his formal intention to transition into professional boxing and wasted no time publicly calling out Verhoeven, sparking immediate excitement among fans of combat sports.
The potential collision between the two Dutch combat icons would bridge the worlds of mixed martial arts, kickboxing, and professional boxing. While the bout currently exists primarily as a high-profile callout rather than a finalized undercard negotiation, industry insiders note that Turki Alalshikh is reportedly very keen to secure Verhoeven’s services for the Cardiff extravaganza.
The situation is further complicated by a fascinating training dynamic. Verhoeven currently works under the tutelage of Peter Fury, the uncle and former trainer of Tyson Fury. This raises immediate questions over whether the lineal heavyweight champion would welcome his former trainer cornering another heavyweight competitor on the exact same card. While it remains to be seen if this logistical overlap causes any friction, it undoubtedly adds a compelling subplot to an already fascinating prospective matchup.
Hitchins vs. Davis
Away from the heavyweight division, the junior-welterweight division could witness an elite-level clash if negotiations between Richardson Hitchins and Keyshawn Davis successfully cross the finish line. Both fighters have openly discussed a December showdown, utilizing social media to build anticipation for what many view as a critical test of skill in the 140-pound division.
The momentum behind the fight intensified when Davis took to Instagram to post a graphic featuring himself and Hitchins, accompanied simply by the word "December" and his trademark moniker, "The Businessman." Hitchins quickly followed up by revealing that he had already accepted the proposed bout over a month ago, though he expressed growing frustration over the sluggish pace of the paperwork.
In a candid social media post, Hitchins voiced his anxiety as the calendar ticks down, stating that he accepted the terms long ago but was still waiting on a formal contract or official confirmation. As it stands, the matchup occupies a curious middle ground where both elite competitors have publicly acknowledged their willingness to trade leather, yet no signed agreement has been finalized to lock them onto the Fury-Joshua supporting bill.
Mason vs. Cordina
Promoter Eddie Hearn has injected substantial life into the lightweight division’s prospects by publicly raising the possibility of a brilliant domestic and international matchup between rising American star Abdullah Mason and former world champion Joe Cordina.
Mason is widely regarded as one of the most electrifying young talents currently rising through the American ranks, boasting blazing speed and concussive power. On the other side, Cordina brings immense local pride and passionate Welsh interest to the Cardiff stadium, having previously held world honors at super-featherweight.
The fight is not entirely unfamiliar to the matchmaking teams. The bout was previously explored for a targeted July 4 date in Cleveland, Ohio, before logistical hurdles—specifically Cordina being denied a United States entry visa—derailed the plans. Resurrecting the matchup for a massive homecoming platform in Cardiff makes a tremendous amount of logistical and commercial sense, offering fans a high-stakes tactical battle wrapped in regional significance.
Pacquiao, Teremoana, and Kamara
Rounding out the initial wave of rumors are three prospective additions whose opponents remain shrouded in mystery. Among them is the legendary Manny Pacquiao, whose representatives have been linked to potential discussions regarding an appearance on the blockbuster card. The participation of the iconic eight-division world champion would inject an extraordinary level of mainstream nostalgia and global star power into an event that is already guaranteed to capture the sporting world’s attention.
When World Boxing News reached out to Pacquiao’s close confidant and advisor Sean Gibbons to gauge the reality of the rumors, Gibbons remained notably tight-lipped. He was appropriately coy regarding the actual likelihood of the Filipino senator and legend stepping back into the ring as an undercard feature at this advanced stage of his storied career.
Joining the speculative mix is undefeated Australian heavyweight prospect Teremoana Teremoana, whose name has previously been linked to the Cardiff event by The Ring. Additionally, young British talent Odel Kamara has been mentioned in connection with the supporting bill, though concrete details regarding his potential involvement remain sparse.
These wide-ranging possibilities underscore the staggering ambition behind Netflix’s potential entry into elite boxing promotion, though observers note a clear distinction must be made between active promoter negotiations, exploratory talks, and fighters simply lobbying for a spot on a historic card. While bouts like Opetaia versus Wilder and Hitchins versus Davis represent more substantial developments, crossover ideas like Overeem versus Verhoeven continue to capture the public imagination.
With the main event between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua already carrying generation-defining significance, the inclusion of even a handful of these rumored matchups would solidify the Cardiff card as an unforgettable night for boxing enthusiasts worldwide. As fight night approaches, fans and media alike continue to wait for official confirmations from promoters and broadcast partners regarding the final shape of the December 11 undercard.
