Top trainer Robert Garcia has considered the competitiveness of a potential clash between Deontay Wilder and Jai Opetaia, which could feature on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua.

The pair have reportedly agreed a deal to collide at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on December 11, albeit without having signed contracts for their chief support bout.

If it does take place, then Opetaia will be moving up to heavyweight after having become a two-time world champion at 200lbs.

He did so by unanimously outpointing Mairis Briedis in 2022 and 2024, while the Australian – who has since been stripped of his IBF title – is now coming off a ninth-round stoppage of Noel Mikaelian in September.

Wilder, meanwhile, is widely considered to be on the slide but nonetheless edged a split decision, after scoring two knockdowns, against fellow veteran Derek Chisora in April.

Given that he seemingly remains a formidable puncher, too, coach Garcia has told ProBox TV that he believes the 41-year-old could pull off the upset against Opetaia.

“It’s a great matchup for [Opetaia] to go out there and do what he does. [But] he’s got to be very smart because Wilder has that power – and that’s the last thing that goes.

“I think Opetaia’s young, fresh … also pretty tall – it’s not like he’s going to be way smaller [than Wilder].

“So it’s a very competitive fight. I think it’s an even matchup. With Opetaia moving up to heavyweight, he’s got that little disadvantage [in size]. But he’s got the youth, the speed [and] the reflexes to go against Wilder.”

Garcia went on to explain that, with Wilder typically throwing his right hand with such mean intentions, he remains a dangerous opponent for any heavyweight.