The potential cross-division blockbuster has emerged as one of the most talked-about prospective matchups in the sport, capturing the attention of fighters, pundits, and fans alike. Chisora, who knows firsthand the destructive power that Wilder possesses inside the squared circle, believes the contest will end in a devastating fashion for the challenger moving up in weight.
The context of Wilder’s current career trajectory adds significant intrigue to the proposed bout. Back in April, Chisora shared the ring with Wilder in a high-stakes heavyweight encounter. On that occasion, the British stalwart came out second best, as the hard-hitting American secured a much-needed and statement-making victory. That win successfully thrust Wilder’s name right back into the upper echelons of the heavyweight picture, immediately sparking discussions and links with a host of major names across the division as the twilight of his storied career approaches.
In the wake of that victory, rumors briefly circulated that "The Bronze Bomber" was lined up to serve as the opponent for unified heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk in what was heavily touted as the Ukrainian star’s final career outing. However, those ambitious plans for a marquee New York show have ultimately fallen through. Reports indicate that talks for the Usyk-Wilder matchup have officially collapsed, forcing promoters and managers to explore alternative, yet equally compelling, options for the American puncher’s next ring appearance.
Instead of fighting for undisputed glory across divisions, the latest prevailing fight talk suggests that Wilder will now square off against Jai Opetaia. The proposed clash is heavily rumored to land on a blockbuster pay-per-view card in December featuring the long-awaited rivalry event headlined by Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. For Opetaia, the bout represents an extraordinarily ambitious and high-risk opportunity. The undefeated Australian star is reportedly looking to make an immediate, earth-shattering statement on his heavyweight debut by challenging a former WBC world champion who remains one of the most feared knockout artists in boxing history.
When asked for his expert assessment on how the matchup would play out, Chisora did not mince his words. Speaking in a recent interview with Sun Boxing, the veteran heavyweight predicted that Wilder "will knock the living daylight out of" the visiting Australian challenger. Chisora went as far as to enthusiastically challenge skeptics regarding the outcome, emphasizing the sheer gulf in natural size and destructive power that Opetaia would be forced to navigate stepping up from the cruiserweight division.
To illustrate his point, Chisora drew a direct comparison to another recent high-profile heavyweight battle, likening the mooted contest to Moses Itauma’s recent tactical and physical struggles against veteran contender Filip Hrgovic.
"Wilder is going to knock the living daylight out of him. How much do you want to bet? Wilder is going to smoke that guy, man. Listen, I am telling you, call the police right now, press charges," Chisora told Sun Boxing, expressing supreme confidence in his former opponent’s devastating capabilities.
Elaborating on the tactical challenges that await the two-time cruiserweight champion, Chisora pointed out the immense physical geometry of fighting a puncher of Wilder’s dimensions.
"Deontay hits hard. Deontay smacks, bro. For Jai to get to Deontay, it is going to take a while. The reason why Moses found it so difficult to knock out a heavyweight is because he had to travel far to hit him. Jai is going to have to travel far to hit him," Chisora explained, highlighting how the distance required to close in on Wilder leaves opponents dangerously exposed to the American’s trademark straight right hand.
The rumored inclusion of Wilder versus Opetaia adds yet another layer of elite-level competition to what is shaping up to be a historic night of boxing alongside the Fury-Joshua event. Whispers surrounding the undercard of that potential December mega-card have also begun to circulate widely within the combat sports community, pointing to an evening packed with world-class talent and championship implications across multiple weight classes.
Among the other major names being mentioned for potential appearances on the undercard is legendary eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao, whose continued involvement in high-profile events never fails to capture global media attention. Additionally, discussions are reportedly swirling regarding a potential world title challenge for Cardiff native Joe Cordina. The Welsh star is reportedly being mentioned as a leading contender for a shot at the WBO lightweight crown currently held by undefeated rising star Abdullah Mason, setting up a fascinating potential clash of styles and generations should those bouts be finalized.
As promoters finalize the intricate details for the December card, the boxing world continues to debate the merits of Wilder taking on a smaller, highly skilled technician like Opetaia. While Opetaia brings exceptional ring IQ, speed, and pedigree from the cruiserweight ranks, the step up to face a heavyweight of Wilder’s pedigree and concussive power remains one of the most daunting tasks in modern pugilism. If Chisora’s stark warning proves accurate, the Australian champion may find that the heavyweight division is an unforgiving arena for those daring to test the limits of the weight classes.
