George Groves has had his say on Jai Opetaia moving up to heavyweight for the first time to take on Deontay Wilder this December.
Wilder once had boxing’s best knockout record having stopped every man he had faced on his way to becoming WBC champion. He held the title for four years until he came up against Tyson Fury, drawing the first fight, then being knocked out in the next two.
Since the last of the trilogy contests in 2021, he has been rather inactive and fought just six times in five years. He is now 41 years of age and lost to Zhilei Zhang by stoppage and Joseph Parker on points.
Last time out in April, he secured a points win over Derek Chisora and is set to have his hands full with two-time cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia on the undercard of Anthony Joshua versus Tyson Fury in Cardiff on December 11th.
Speaking to Pro Boxing Fans, Groves was asked who he thinks comes out on top.
“I think Opetaia wins. I think he does stop Wilder. I’ve a good relationship with both camps, both guys. I’ve spent some time with Opetaia, and I think he’s a proven talent, a tremendous figure, and maybe the best is still to come.
“With Wilder, you can’t say the same; you don’t think the best is to come with Wilder. It’s a dangerous fight for him. He’s a good lad, I wish him well. Hopefully it’s a good fight.”
Opetaia has won all 31 of his fights so far, with 24 KOs. He is 31 and very much an aggressive, come-forward fighter who is in his prime, so the matchup with Wilder is an intriguing one.
