Samoa boxing star Jai Opetaia to face Deontay Wilder in December

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 5 November 2026 – Australian based Samoa boxing star Jai Opetaia is set to move up from cruiserweight to face former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder in Cardiff, Wales, 11 December.

The bout is expected to feature as the co-main event of a major card and mark Opetaia’s Netflix debut, according to Australia Boxing Central.

41-year-old Wilder has a reported record of 45 wins, four losses and one draw, with 43 victories by knockout.

He held the WBC heavyweight title from 2015 to 2020 and made 10 successful defences.

Opetaia’s promoter, Dana White, has called the Wilder fight dangerous, but believes the Australian has qualities that could make it competitive.

“He’s got to be very smart because Wilder has that power — and that’s the last thing that goes,” White told Sky Sports.

“Opetaia’s young, fresh… pretty tall. It’s not like he’s going to be way smaller.”

White added that Opetaia’s speed and reflexes could help counter Wilder’s power.

Jai is expected to return to cruiserweight after the bout, with a fight against David Benavidez remaining a target.

Parker’s path is less certain
Meanwhile Joseph Parker could finally get the fight with Daniel Dubois that fell through in February 2025, when illness forced Dubois to withdraw during fight week.

The Ring reports that a WBO heavyweight title bout is being explored for 30 January 2027, with London and Manchester among the possible venues.

Sky Sports has also reported that Parker is on Dubois’ shortlist.

Parker last fought on 26 October 2025, when referee intervention stopped his fight with Fabio Wardley in the 11th round.

After missing their first opportunity, the former champion may yet get the chance to settle the matchup in the ring.     END.