Tyson Fury to weigh 280lb for Anthony Joshua clash as Deontay Wilder joins card

Tyson Fury is poised to step into the ring against Anthony Joshua weighing a staggering 280lb, a decision that has raised eyebrows among boxing experts. According to the Daily Mirror ^[1], the 38-year-old 'Gypsy King' posted on Instagram that he expects to tip the scales at this weight, joking that his "love handles are used for energy." This figure is 15lb heavier than the 265lb he weighed for his July victory over Mariusz Wach.

The all-British heavyweight clash is scheduled for December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, finally settling a decade-long feud. However, Fury’s strategy mirrors his approach for the Oleksandr Usyk rematch two years ago, where he weighed 281lb and ultimately lost on points. The Mirror reported ^[1] that former champion Duke McKenzie warned that such bulk could make Fury slower and more predictable, potentially costing him the fight.

Adding further intrigue to the event, the BBC News reported ^[2] that Deontay Wilder will face Australia’s Jai Opetaia on the undercard. The bout serves as the co-main event, with the WBA 'super' heavyweight title on the line. Wilder, 41, holds a record of 45-4-1 with 43 knockouts, while Opetaia, 31, remains unbeaten in 31 professional bouts.

Wilder is hoping to re-establish himself among the heavyweight elite after a recent split-decision win over Derek Chisora. Opetaia, a former IBF champion, steps up to heavyweight for the first time, presenting Wilder with a chance to be the first boxer to defeat the unbeaten Australian. The Independent confirmed ^[3] that the event will be broadcast live on Netflix, with ring walks expected in the early hours of Saturday morning.

While the main event tickets sold out in under an hour, negotiations are reportedly ongoing for former IBF super-featherweight champion Joe Cordina to fight Manny Pacquiao on the same bill. Fury and Joshua’s meeting marks the culmination of years of speculation, with both fighters having survived recent challenges to secure this highly anticipated showdown.