Johnny Nelson Predicts Flashy KO Victory for Opetaia Over Wilder in Anticipated Heavyweight Showdown

Reports are emerging regarding potential bouts slated for the undercard of the highly anticipated Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua showdown.

Among the rumored matchups is a compelling heavyweight confrontation between Jai Opetaia and Deontay Wilder, with Johnny Nelson—the longest-reigning cruiserweight champion in history—weighing in on the prospective clash.

Opetaia, who has faced setbacks including two IBF cruiserweight title reigns, remains in contention for a shot at the winner of the December three-belt unification bout between David Benavidez and Michal Cieslak.

Wilder, previously tied to Oleksandr Usyk’s alleged farewell fight in New York this March, now finds those negotiations reportedly falling through.

Fresh speculation suggests a December showdown between Opetaia and Wilder, with the Australian reportedly open to making his heavyweight debut against “The Bronze Bomber,” a former WBC heavyweight champion who held the strap for over five years.

In an interview with talkSPORT Boxing, Nelson, who himself ruled the WBO cruiserweight division for more than seven years, expressed enthusiasm for the matchup, stating he “loves that fight” and believes Opetaia has the tools to secure a dramatic knockout win if executed properly.

“I love it, I think it is the perfect fight for him [Opetaia]. It’s the perfect fight for him to dip his toe into the heavyweight pool because Wilder was a name, Wilder was a dangerous man, Wilder has still got that reputation, Wilder is still the one that can get people to watch.”

“Jai Opetaia puts his punches together well and could create a massive flash-style knockout if he does it right because Wilder is no longer the fighter that he was. I love it, at this stage.”

“If Wilder had 60% of what he had, then I would say ‘Jai, you should probably think twice about it because he is used to being in with the bigger guys,’ but I love it, I think it is a great fight, I think it is smart.”

Adding further star power to the event’s undercard speculation, Manny Pacquiao is also reportedly being considered for a appearance when Fury and Joshua collide on Friday, December 11.

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