Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have teased fighting one another for years. It’s finally happening when the two former champions clash on December 11 in Cardiff.
Both men defined the heavyweight division for over 10 years. Outside those two Brits, one American, Deontay Wilder, was synonymous with the division.
Wilder (45-4-1), a former WBC heavyweight champion, took out opponents with ease, with 43 knockout wins. Though he lost twice to Fury, the two fought in an epic trilogy. Including the two losses to Fury, Wilder recently had a tough go at it, going 1-4 in five fights.
However, “The Bronze Bomber” has worked his way back up the ladder, winning two straight. It’s only fitting that he’s rumored to join the party and be on the Fury-Joshua card. But who would he face?
Per Dan Rafael, a deal was agreed, but not officially signed, for Wilder to face Ring cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia. Opetaia (31-0) is currently signed to Zuffa Boxing and would likely move to heavyweight for the fight.
Meanwhile, while negotiations are ongoing, Wilder is free to communicate with other teams. He recently spoke on IBA.TV and stated he’s been in contact with WBA heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev.
“There is some communication between me and Murat’s team for sure, and I would love that. Out of all the choices, I would love for that one to go,” Wilder said. “He’s a great guy, a great champion. He’s been to my camps before, and we’ve sparred. I always thought very highly of Murat, even as a human being. To see him as a champion is well deserved.”
Gassiev (34-2), a former cruiserweight champion, beat Kubrat Pulev in 2025 for the WBA title. He retained the belt in July against Peter Kadiru.
These rumors come after negotiations between Wilder and former two-division undisputed champion Oleksandr Usyk fizzled out. A win for Wilder on the Fury-Joshua card could potentially renew talks.
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