Undefeated boxing champion agrees to risky showdown with Deontay Wilder
Jai Opetaia (photo: instagram.com/jaiopetaia)
Australian boxer Jai Opetaia is willing to move up to heavyweight for a fight with legendary American knockout artist Deontay Wilder, Sky Sports reports.
Wilder's comeback and Opetaia's challenge
Jai Opetaia (31-0, 24 KOs), who holds the WBA Regular and The Ring cruiserweight titles, is set to face former WBC heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder (45-4-1, 43 KOs) on the undercard of the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua event in Cardiff on December 11.
The blockbuster matchup was announced by Zuffa Boxing chairman Dana White. He stressed that despite the obvious risks of moving up in weight to face a knockout artist like Wilder, Opetaia accepted the challenge without hesitation.
"Jai Opetaia is more than likely going to be on the undercard. Wilder is one that we've been talking about and working on," White said.
Plans for a fight with Benavidez
Alongside a potential showdown with Wilder, the Australian champion remains focused on a major cruiserweight clash with undefeated American David Benavidez (32-0, 26 KOs).
The Zuffa Boxing chairman said a fight with Benavidez remains Opetaia's top priority and that promoters are already exploring ways to make it happen. For now, however, the Australian wants to stay as active as possible and is willing to step into the ring regardless of weight class.
