How to Bet on Boxing

With a long rich history spanning over a century, heart-pounding fights that can end at any moment, and plenty to analyze below the surface, it’s no wonder that boxing has been one of the most popular sports to bet on long before the internet and legal online sportsbooks were even invented.

To get in on this timeless classic sport for betting, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to how to bet on boxing. We’ll cover the fundamentals, go over some key terms and examples, and give you a few simple tips that will help you survive in the ring.

How to Read Boxing Odds

In a course about boxing betting for beginners, reading betting odds would absolutely be the first lesson.

Boxing odds can be read the same way as the odds for other popular sports such as basketball, baseball, and football in the standard American odds format. The plus sign (+) signifies the underdog, while the minus sign (-) denotes the favorite. These signs are complemented by numbers that represent the amount you can win on a $100 bet for underdogs or the amount you need to wager to win $100 on favorites.

For example, let’s say you’re considering a legendary bout between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. If Ali is listed at -200, it means you’d need to bet $200 on him to win $100 if he triumphs. Conversely, if Frazier’s odds stand at +150, a $100 bet on him would earn you $150 if he emerges victorious.

How Do Sportsbooks Set Boxing Betting Lines?

Sportsbooks meticulously craft boxing betting lines using a multifaceted approach. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula; instead, a comprehensive analysis of various factors determines the odds.

Recent performances play a pivotal role in shaping odds. A boxer’s wins, losses, and the manner in which they’ve won or lost in recent matches significantly influence their betting lines. Likewise, their recovery from injuries is a critical factor. An injured fighter may not perform at their best, impacting their odds.

The lead-up to a fight is also closely scrutinized. Fighters’ training, psychological mindset, and pre-fight behavior can all impact the betting lines. Additionally, their boxing style and strengths and weaknesses within that style can sway the odds.

Weight class is another substantial determinant. Moving up or down in weight classes can affect a fighter’s performance, and this adjustment is a key consideration in setting odds.

Boxing Sports Betting Examples

Before you step into the ring yourself, you’ll need to review some of the classics. A big part of learning how to bet on boxing online is learning the options you have available to you. Below are some examples of the most common type of boxing bets you’re likely to come across.

Traditional Moneyline

Traditional moneyline bets are the simplest and most popular way to wager on boxing. Understanding the moneyline is easy – all you have to do is place a wager on who you think will win the bout, and if the fighter you bet on does come out on top, you’ll receive your winnings.

If the boxer you backed on the moneyline loses, well, the sportsbook will make sure your hard-earned money goes to a good home.

Moneyline odds will look exactly like how we explained in the “How to Read Boxing Odds” section above. Betting on the traditional moneyline is and will forever be the top way to bet on boxing.

Three Way Moneyline

In boxing, like soccer, it’s one of the rare sports where a tie is a relatively common outcome. When a fight goes the distance, and the judges believe that both fighters performed evenly, it can result in a split decision. A three-way moneyline allows bettors to wager on not just the traditional win or loss but also the possibility of a split decision. This particular betting option comes into play when two evenly-matched, highly technical boxers face off in the ring.

For instance, if a hypothetical match between legendary fighters Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao took place at the height of their careers, it might have been a shrewd move to bet on a split decision. These two boxers were known for their exceptional defensive boxing styles, making it more probable that their match could lead to a split decision.

On-Points (Boxing Spread)

In boxing, “on-points” is the equivalent of a spread bet, similar to handicaps in golf. This type of wager aims to level the playing field and offer both fighters an equal chance of winning the bet.

To illustrate this, imagine a fight featuring a dominant figure like Tyson Fury going up against an overwhelmed opponent in a tune-up match before a more significant upcoming fight. In this scenario, the “on-points” spread might be -5.5 in favor of Fury, indicating that you would win the bet if Fury outscores his opponent by at least six points on the final scorecard.

Total Rounds

Total rounds betting in boxing focuses not on predicting the fight’s winner but on estimating its duration. It’s more about understanding each boxer’s style rather than their skill levels. When two heavy-hitting knockout artists square off, the odds favor a shorter fight. On the other hand, when defensive-minded opponents meet, the fight is more likely to go the distance.

For instance, consider a thrilling heavyweight showdown between Deontay Wilder and Anthony Joshua. Both fighters are renowned for their powerful punches and numerous knockouts. In such a matchup, you might choose to bet on the fight ending in four rounds or less, capitalizing on the expectation of a swift and explosive conclusion.

Method of Victory

While boxing is commonly associated with the spectacular endings of knockouts, it offers a variety of methods by which fights can be won. The ultimate outcome of a boxing match can include several decision scenarios if the fight goes the full distance.

These decisions include the unanimous decision (in which all judges agree on a single winner), split decision (where two judges score in favor of one boxer while the third scores for the opponent), majority decision (when two judges agree on a winner, while one declares it a draw), a draw (where all judges score the fight as a tie), and a majority draw (with two judges calling it a draw and one selecting a winner).

Betting on the method of victory is about understanding the fighting styles and histories of the boxers involved. For example, if you’re considering a bet on a fighter like Tim Bradley, who’s known for his defensive skills and less for knockout power, you might favor a bet on him to win by unanimous decision, which aligns with his typical fighting style.

Futures

Futures betting in boxing is somewhat distinct due to the sport’s unpredictable scheduling and the lack of major awards equivalent to an MVP in other sports. As a result, futures betting is less common in boxing and might not be readily available at all major sportsbooks. Occasionally, you can find futures bets on who will hold a particular title within a specific weight class by a predetermined date, often the conclusion of the upcoming year.

For instance, if you believe that Deontay Wilder is poised to reclaim the heavyweight belt from Tyson Fury by the close of 2024, you have the opportunity to place a bet on Wilder securing the championship before the next year begins.

Parlays

Parlays in boxing provide a fascinating approach to sports betting by allowing you to combine multiple bets and different types of wagers into one high-odds betting package. Although this method can lead to substantial potential profits, it does come with an inherent risk – you must accurately predict the outcome of every element of the bet to win.

When applied to a match like Tyson Fury versus Francis Ngannou, a four-leg parlay could involve bets on Fury winning the fight, Ngannou securing a first-round victory, either fighter being knocked down within the initial three rounds, and Fury winning by unanimous decision. Each of these individual elements must succeed for the parlay to be a winning bet.

Props

Boxing prop bets are a unique aspect of boxing betting that deviates from merely predicting the match’s outcome. Instead, they focus on very specific scenarios and performance-related predictions within the fight.

Prop bets provide the opportunity to bet on a wide range of specific outcomes, including fighter performance, round results, method of victory, and more. For instance, you can wager on a specific fighter winning a particular round during the fight or even predict the timing of a knockout punch.

Prop bets allow you to dive deep into the specifics of a boxing match, offering detailed control over your betting decisions.

Live Betting

In the ever-dynamic world of boxing, where a fight’s course can change in an instant, live betting is a crucial tool that enables you to place bets after a match has already commenced. Imagine a bout between two totally real fighters like Rocky Balboa and Captain Ivan Vasilyevich.

While Ivan initially appears strong, you keenly observe that Rocky is wearing him down as the rounds progress, despite taking a beating. Responding to these real-time developments, you choose to place a live bet on Rocky to defy the odds and secure a victory.

Live betting keeps you engaged with the action and allows you to respond to the changing dynamics of a boxing match as it unfolds.

Boxing Betting Tips

Congrats! You know how to bet on a boxing match and are almost ready for your first fight! But, to make sure you don’t get knocked out in the first round, we’ve put together a few pointers that will help you survive in the ring over your first few bets.

These aren’t instant money-makers or anything like that, but they’ll help you find more opportunities for potential profit as well as keep your finances under control.

The Lead-Up is Important

When it comes to boxing, the period leading up to a fight carries significant weight in the outcome. Boxing matches are marked by relatively long intervals between fights, often spanning months, and occasionally, even years. This extended hiatus can profoundly affect a fighter’s performance.

One fighter may be returning from a prolonged layoff or attempting to bounce back from a severe injury, while their opponent might be in peak physical condition, having maintained a consistent schedule to stay in fighting shape. The activities and preparations of boxers in the lead-up to a bout provide critical insights into their potential performance inside the ring.

Don’t Get Caught Up in the Hype

Boxing is a sport riddled with seemingly unbeatable fighters losing to the most unlikely opponents. You don’t want to be the guy who bet thousands on Mike Tyson to win against Buster Douglas.

When placing boxing bets, always take the narrative out of it and bet solely on the fighter’s performance and ability in the ring. Betting decisions should be solely grounded in objective analysis of a fighter’s track record and skills. By exercising this discernment and removing sensationalism from the equation, bettors can make more informed, calculated decisions.

Fighting Style Matters More Than You Think

In such an unpredictable sport like boxing, fighting styles are pivotal in determining a fight’s course. Understanding the subtleties of each fighter’s style can be a powerful asset when it comes to betting. This knowledge becomes especially relevant when placing wagers on total rounds and method of victory, as these bets heavily hinge on the fighters’ tactical approaches.

Being well-versed in the unique styles of each fighter allows you to predict potential outcomes with greater accuracy. Will the contest manifest as a slugfest ripe for a knockout, or will it evolve into a strategic, defensive battle? By considering the fighters’ styles, you can make more precise predictions and well-informed betting decisions based on this crucial aspect of the sport.

Diversify Your Options

Combat sports are inherently unpredictable. On any given night, the most unexpected outcomes can occur. To avoid depleting your bankroll due to a sudden knockout or disqualification, it’s essential never to allocate a substantial portion of your funds to a single fight.

Instead, diversify your bets across multiple matches that exhibit promising underlying metrics. This strategy mitigates the risk of incurring substantial losses while increasing your chances of consistent profits over time.

Never Bet Blind

One of the most significant pitfalls in boxing, or any sport betting, is placing wagers solely based on favorable odds. While the occasional gut feeling bet is acceptable, long-term success necessitates comprehensive research.

Beyond the odds, delve into fighter profiles. Study their performances in recent bouts, gauge opinions and analysis from experts, and monitor the weigh-in to assess each fighter’s condition. Betting without this insight can lead to hasty decisions with unfavorable results.

Stick to What’s Popular

For beginners, sticking to well-established betting markets is a prudent and smart approach. Markets such as outright winner, round betting, and method of victory are more straightforward to comprehend, providing a robust foundation for your betting strategy.

As you gain a deeper understanding of the boxing world, you can gradually venture into lesser-known fights and explore more advanced bet types.

Practice Money Management

Arguably the most crucial advice, effective money management is not only a valuable life skill but also the key to sustainable profits in sports betting. Establish a consistent budget, whether on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis, and adhere to it unwaveringly.

This discipline ensures that you never exceed your predetermined limit, safeguarding your financial stability and preventing substantial losses. Simply put, bankroll management is one of the most important aspects of sports betting.