White On Opetaia's Mainstream Breakthrough ChanceWhite On Opetaia's Mainstream Breakthrough Chance
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White On Opetaia's Mainstream Breakthrough Chance

Dan O'keefe
Contributor ·

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Dana White thinks Jai Opetaia has a shot at mainstream stardom if he beats Deontay Wilder next month.

The cruiserweight titleholder steps up to heavyweight to meet the former champion on December 11, fighting beneath Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua on a card that streams live on Netflix. White, who promotes Opetaia through Zuffa Boxing, believes the exposure could turn his fighter into a global name with the right performance.

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Speaking to Sky Sports, White said a spectacular result against Wilder would unlock every door for the Australian. He noted that Opetaia carries support from both Australia and New Zealand, a rare built-in fanbase that grows with each high-profile victory. "Everybody knows who Jai Opetaia is now," White told the outlet, per Bad Left Hook.

The size difference favors Wilder on paper, but the former champion has never been a massive heavyweight by division standards. More importantly, the devastating power that built Wilder's reputation has been absent in recent outings, giving Opetaia's camp reason to like the matchup.

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Opetaia has never competed on a platform this large. First bell is set for December 11.


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