Deontay Wilder’s next fight remains up in the air despite rumors that the former WBC heavyweight champion had agreed to a bout with Jai Opetaia on December 11.

Unofficial reports suggested Wilder (45-4-1, 43 KOs) would face the WBA “regular” cruiserweight champion Opetaia (31-0, 24 KOs) at heavyweight on the undercard of the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua event at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

Contracts have yet to be signed, though, and Wilder has since expressed a preference for another opponent — WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight champion Murat Gassiev (34-2, 27 KOs).

“There is some communication between me and Murat’s team for sure, and I would love that,” Wilder said. “Out of all the choices, I would love for that one to go.”

Wilder last fought in April, defeating the 42-year-old Derek Chisora by split decision after losing four of his previous six bouts. He had also been linked with Oleksandr Usyk, but those discussions collapsed amid disagreements over the Ukrainian’s financial demands.

Whether Wilder’s next opponent is Opetaia, Gassiev or another opponent remains to be seen, however a bout against Opetaia is likely dependent on Matchroom Boxing chairman Eddie Hearn signing the former WBC heavyweight champion.