World champion Jai Opetaia of Australia will compete on a huge boxing card that takes place in Saudi Arabia on December 24 (AEDT), with heavyweight superstars Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.
On the same night, Joshua and Wilder will square off, but against separate opponents—Otto Wallin and Kiwi sensation Joseph Parker, respectively.
Opetaia will take on unbeaten British fighter Ellis Zorra for the IBF and The Ring Magazine cruiserweight titles. The two will meet in person for the first time at the formal announcement press conference tomorrow night.
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After a protracted sabbatical due to a broken jaw, Opetaia, 28, successfully defended his world title for the first time in September of last year, after recording a thrilling victory over Mairis Briedis.
Despite losing their world belts, Joshua and Wilder, the former heavyweight champions, have long been mentioned as potential opponents.
Should both emerge victorious from their bouts the following month, a meeting in early 2024 may finally be possible.
Joshua of Britain will fight Wallin of Sweden after Parker and Wilder square off on the undercard.
Joshua said at a news conference, “I can’t predict the future, but I know where I want to go and what I want to do.”
In addition, Joshua defeated Helenius in the seventh round of his most recent fight in August.
After Fury’s contentious points victory over MMA star Francis Ngannou, the bout between Usyk and Fury was supposed to be the main event on the December 23 program. Additionally, British heavyweight Daniel Dubois and Russian lightweight champ Dmitry Bivol are scheduled to appear on the show.
Jai Opetaia Rumored To Land On Dec. 23 Riyadh Show As Purse Bid Looms For Briedis Rematch
This news coincides with strong rumors that Sydney’s Jai Opetaia (23-0, 17KOs) will compete on the undercard of the highly anticipated event scheduled for December 23 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His possible placement on a show that Boxing Scene has confirmed at least three bouts—Deontay Wilder-Joseph Parker, Anthony Joshua-Otto Wallin, and Daniel Dubois-Jarrell Miller—along with at least two other slotted heavyweight fights—was not associated with an opponent.