---
title: "Instead of Usyk: Wilder Prepped for High-Profile Bout in Fury-Joshua Star Show"
description: "Deontay Wilder may face undefeated Australian Jai Opetaia on the undercard of the Fury-Joshua star-studded boxing event on December 11 in Cardiff."
date: 2026-10-09T08:44:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/instead-of-usyk-wilder-prepped-for-fight-in-fury-joshua-card
tags: [boxing, deontay-wilder, jai-opetaia, tyson-fury, anthony-joshua, oleksandr-usyk]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Instead of Usyk: Wilder Prepped for High-Profile Bout in Fury-Joshua Star Show

![Deontay Wilder in the ring during a boxing match](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/09/otmeniv-usika-uaylderu-gotovyat-boy-s-opetayey-u-shou-fyuri-dzhoshua/otmeniv-usika-uaylderu-gotovyat-boy-s-opetayey-u-shou-fyuri-dzhoshua-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- Wilder's negotiations with Usyk stalled completely
- Jai Opetaia emerges as Wilder's potential new opponent
- The fight is targeted for December 11 in Cardiff
- The bout could feature on the Fury vs. Joshua undercard

Former WBC heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder could secure a surprising and high-profile opponent instead of Oleksandr Usyk. According to reputable outlet Sport RBC.UA citing The Ring insider Mike Coppinger, the American knockout artist is being considered as a potential opponent for cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia. This thrilling matchup is planned to be included in the massive undercard of the grand boxing event headlined by Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

### Shift in Plans and Stalemate in Usyk Talks

Initially, the American's team held preliminary discussions regarding a potential meeting with the Ukrainian champion, but those talks hit a dead end. Amid the resulting uncertainty, promoters began searching for alternative paths to continue Wilder's career. The prospect of the Australian champion moving up a weight division to fight the legendary puncher looks extremely attractive for both the media appeal of the show and the athletes themselves. The massive tournament is expected to take place on December 11 in Cardiff, UK, though final contracts have not yet been signed by the parties.

### Contradictory Data and Fighters' Prospects

Conflicting details surround the official scheduling and the final undercard lineup. According to available information, the event is being organized by SELA, which must review proposals from top world promoters Eddie Hearn, Frank Warren, and Spencer Brown before submitting the final fight card to streaming giant Netflix for approval. Meanwhile, Opetaia's potential heavyweight debut against Wilder should not disrupt his major planned cruiserweight bout scheduled for next May.

### Athlete Statistics and Expert Insights

Deontay Wilder holds a record of 45 wins (including 43 by knockout), four losses, and one draw, making him one of the most dangerous punchers in modern boxing due to his immense knockout power. In turn, undefeated Australian Jai Opetaia boasts a flawless record of 31 wins (24 by knockout) and holds cruiserweight titles under Zuffa and The Ring. Experts note that a fight against the American will serve as a severe test for the Australian boxer upon moving up in weight, while also offering him a chance to etch his name into boxing history.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [Вместо Усика: Уайлдеру готовят бой со звездным соперником в шоу Фьюри – Джошуа](https://sport.rbc.ua/ukr/boxing/zamist-usika-vaylderu-gotuyut-biy-iz-zirkovim-1791535229.html) - Основной источник информации о переговорном процессе и возможном бое с Опетаей
- [Фьюри – Уайлдер: Текстовая онлайн-трансляция третьего поединка, Фьюри нокаутировал Уайлдера](https://www.ua-football.com/sport/box/1633804167-fyuri-uaylder-tekstovaya-onlayn-translyaciya-tretego-poedinka.html) - Подтверждено по источнику ua-football.com
- [Фьюри и Джошуа долго капризничали, а теперь подерутся в Уэльсе. Да неужели?](https://www.sports.ru/boxing/blogs/3514356.html) - Подтверждено по источнику sports.ru
- [The Ring узнал, что бой Фьюри — Джошуа будет за освобожденный Усиком пояс](https://www.rbc.ru/sport/24/09/2026/6ab569929a7947415416ecef) - Контекст вокруг статуса поясов Усика и шоу Фьюри — Джошуа

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: Who could face Deontay Wilder instead of Oleksandr Usyk?
**A:** Undefeated cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia is being considered as a potential opponent.

### Q: Where and when is this boxing event planned to take place?
**A:** The massive show headlined by Fury and Joshua is planned for December 11 in Cardiff.