Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua undercard fight could overshadow main event as fighter confirms talks

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua will finally go head-to-head for their long-awaited showdown on December 11, but the fight - billed the biggest in British boxing history - could be overshadowed by a potential mouth-watering undercard.

More than 80,000 fans will be in attendance at Cardiff's Principality Stadium in less than two months to watch the two heavyweights finally settle their legacy with a dust-up for the ages.

The tickets for the fight sold out within an hour of going live on Ticketmaster, and UFC president Dana White even confirmed there were over 500,000 people in the queue on Friday (October 9). So, those fans lucky enough to get their hands on one will be excited to watch history unfold, but it isn't just the main attraction that could deliver.

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Rico Verhoeven confirms talks to fight Deontay Wilder on Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury undercard

A showdown between Fury and Joshua has presented the opportunity for many talented fighters to appear on the undercard.

Eight fights are rumoured to feature on Netflix before AJ and the 'Gypsy King' begin their ring walk at 1am, and the warm-up could include former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

'The Bronze Bomber' shared three memorable heavyweight battles with Fury, suffering defeat on two occasions, and he's now eyeing a lucrative spot on the undercard.

Sky Sports reported on Saturday (October 10) that Wilder could fight Jai Opetaia, the unbeaten Australian who has been a force at cruiserweight.

"Jai Opetaia is more than likely going to be on the undercard. [Wilder] is one that we've been talking about and working on," White said when asked about the possibility of the pair going head-to-head on the undercard.

But several others want to fight the hard-punching Wilder, and that includes Rico Verhoeven, who is set to jump back into the deep end after his valiant display against Oleksandr Usyk in May.

The kickboxing legend entered the ring as a serious underdog against the lineal heavyweight champion, but caused him serious problems before being floored in the 11th round.

Verhoeven's stock has since risen considerably, and there were discussions about him fighting WBC heavyweight champion Agit Kabayel, but now it seems the next step is a blockbuster showdown with Wilder after confirming talks with the 40-year-old.

"After that fight [with Usyk], we got a bunch of offers from all different sides and directions, so that was good to see," the Dutchman told talkSPORT on Thursday (October 15).

"We slowly took everything in and took a look at all the offers and opponents, and I've decided I am going to stay in boxing. We got an offer for the December 11 card.

"I can't confirm just yet [that I will be on the card]. What I can confirm is that they offered me a fight with Deontay Wilder, and I said yes.

"Of course, the details still need to be talked about. I'm waiting on the response. So if there is a yes from the other side, then it is going to happen."

Should Wilder accept the proposal, he will return to the ring for the first time since April 2026, when he defeated Derek Chisora by a split decision at the O2 Arena in London.

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Rico Verhoeven boasts stunning kickboxing record

Verhoeven has only boxed twice professionally, securing victory over Janos Finfera in April 2014 before losing to Usyk in May 2026.

The 37-year-old is instead more widely recognised for his kickboxing career, having recorded 66 wins and 10 losses across his career.

In fact, he boasts the longest title reign as a GLORY Heavyweight Champion, holding the belt for over 12 years with 13 consecutive title defences before vacating the title in November 2025.

Commonly referred to as the 'King of Kickboxing', Verhoeven has cemented his legacy in the sport, and he can make even more history if he fights Wilder and wins.