s Deontay Wilder to Retain Dangerous Punch Ahead of Jai Opetaia Clash
Heavyweight veteran Dave Allen believes that former world champion Deontay Wilder still has "something left" in the tank and remains a formidable puncher as he approaches an intriguing and unexpected clash with Jai Opetaia. The high-profile matchup is set to take place at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on December 11, with Opetaia making his highly anticipated heavyweight debut on the massive undercard of the blockbuster Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua showdown.
The inclusion of Opetaia on this card adds an entirely new dynamic to the evening of fights. Traditionally campaigning at the 200-pound cruiserweight limit, the Australian has firmly established himself as a force in the sport by becoming a two-time world champion. He earned that status by securing unanimous decision victories over Mairis Briedis on both occasions, showcasing exceptional skill, ring IQ, and toughness. However, despite his dominance in the cruiserweight division, his tenure with the belt experienced turbulence, resulting in him being stripped of his IBF title earlier this year.
Yet, despite losing the administrative recognition of the belt, many boxing purists, analysts, and fans continue to regard the undefeated Australian as the world’s leading cruiserweight. At the same time, discussions about the pinnacle of the division often point toward unified champion David Benavidez as another top contender for supremacy. Regardless of where opinions land on divisional rankings, the 31-year-old Opetaia brings an undeniable level of pedigree, elite amateur background, and technical talent into the ring as he prepares to test the waters of the heavyweight division against a fading American icon who is a decade his senior.
Had this bout been proposed six or seven years ago, it would have been viewed by almost the entire boxing community as a gross mismatch—a devastating showcase for Wilder’s trademark right hand. Back then, Wilder was the fearsome, undefeated WBC heavyweight champion, reigning with an aura of invincibility built on a near-100 percent knockout ratio against elite competition. However, the landscape of the division has shifted dramatically since then. Wilder enters this contest coming off a rather scrappy and unconvincing split decision victory over veteran British brawler Derek Chisora in April. That performance left many observers and pundits suspecting that the American puncher, once one of the most feared men in the sport, is now firmly on the brink of retirement.
Despite the concerns over his recent form, age, and wear and tear from punishing wars against Tyson Fury and others, British heavyweight cult hero Dave Allen has taken to social media to offer a more measured and realistic assessment of the Alabama native’s current capabilities. Allen argued that while the years have undoubtedly taken a toll, writing off a world-class knockout artist completely would be a mistake.
Sharing his thoughts online, Allen noted that the fight has captured the intrigue of the boxing world. He acknowledged that Opetaia will likely open as the betting and analytical favorite, recognizing that Wilder is clearly not the fighter he once was at the absolute peak of his powers. However, Allen pointed directly to the Chisora fight as evidence that the American’s greatest asset—his concussive, game-changing power—has not completely deserted him.
"It’s very interesting. I think Opetaia will probably be a favourite now; Wilder [is] obviously not the fighter he was, but the Chisora fight showed he’s definitely got something left," Allen remarked on social media. "He can still punch, but Opetaia on points, I think, would be my pick."
Allen’s perspective highlights the central narrative surrounding Wilder at this stage of his storied career. While the former champion did manage to score two notable knockdowns against Derek Chisora during their April encounter, the manner in which the fight played out raised valid questions about his current stamina, output, and killer instinct. A prime version of the "Bronze Bomber"—the fighter who terrorized the division for years with one-punch finishes—would likely have capitalized on those moments to completely close the show and remove the judges from the equation entirely. Instead, the fight dragged on into a gritty, untidy affair that underscored his physical decline.
As December 11 approaches, the bout at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium presents a fascinating clash of styles and eras. Opetaia moves up in weight to test his skills against a proven heavyweight puncher, seeking to make an immediate statement in a new division on one of the biggest stages of the year. Meanwhile, Wilder fights to prove that his career is not entirely behind him and that his terrifying right hand remains a threat to anyone brave enough to stand in front of him.
