Understanding Boxing Odds

By
March 16, 2023

Boxing is an easy sport to bet on, especially if you understand how bookmakers like OKBET calculate the odds of each contender. It is not just about picking the winner but also includes how you weigh the differences of each fighter.

You need not be an expert punter to understand how boxing odds work. This blog will help you understand the process, the factors affecting the calculations, and a few tips on how to bet on this sport.

Understanding How it Works

There are two main types of odds in boxing: Moneyline and Decimalised.

A typical moneyline involves a plus and minus sign. The fighter slated to be the favorite has unfavorable odds, while the underdog has favorable odds.

For example, Boxer A has -100 odds, and his opponent, Boxer B, has +150. Boxer A is the clear favorite, and Boxer B is the underdog.

Decimalized, on the other hand, also works the same way. The favorite has the shortest odds, while the underdog has the longest.

For instance, Boxer C has a 1.40 odd compared to Boxed D, which has 2.65. The former is the favorite, and the latter is the underdog.

If you bet on the favorite, you have to wager an even greater amount of cash than your expected winning.

Simply put: you bet P100 on the favorite. The payout will be P170, and your net profit will be P270.

But if you bet on the underdog, your initial wager can be lower than the payout, like:

Your bet is P100 on the underdog.  He won, so you will receive P130 as a payout for P230.

Bookies reach this type of odds due to several reasons:

  • Tale of the Tape

Tale of the Tape in boxing means “weigh-in.” It is the time when the opposing boxers are measured, weighed, and analyzed prior to the fight. 

  • Track Record

This is the previous fight results of the boxers. It has a massive impact on the odds, particularly the type of fighters they recently fought.

  • Boxing Style

If you are a boxing fan, boxing style means how fighters fight. Standard techniques include technical,counter-puncher, power-punchers, unorthodox, southpaws, and brawns. Each type has its advantage over others, and its effectiveness depends on how the fighter uses it.

  • Physical Condition

The physical condition of a fighter also affects the odds. By checking their track record, you will find out if one of the fighters is fighting nonstop or has not fought for a while.

  • Form and Motivation

A boxer’s form also impacts their odds. Usually, a fighter with a bad form is the underdog. However, a single punch can change the outcome.

  • Stats

This is how the boxer performed in his last fights. You need to check how many punches he has thrown or how many he has landed. The stats also show their reach and, at times, how many rounds they can go.

The Types of Boxing Bets

Understanding boxing odds also comes with learning the sport’s betting options. The most common types are:

  • Winner (Favorite)

This is typical in decimal or money-line betting. Pundits pick who between the two fighters will win and usually choose the favorite.

  • Winner (Underdog)

By choosing this option, you predicted that the underdog would win. In boxing, things can quickly turn around. Sometimes, the least favorite could win.

  • Total Odds (Over/Under Rounds)

Bettors will guess how many rounds will pass before the match ends.

  • Points Betting

Boxing does not always end via a knockout or a technical knockout (TKO). In most cases, the match reaches the judges’ table. As a bettor, you aim to guess how many points the players have accumulated throughout the fight.

  • Knockout

This is an ideal type of betting if you know that one of the fighters is a heavy hitter and has a high knockout percentage. Your goal as a pundit is to guess who among the fighters can put their opponent to sleep.

Tips for Boxing Betting

More than understanding how the odds work is needed to become a winner in boxing betting. For you to totally understand the game, you must:

  • Learn the boxing terms.
  • Analyze each boxer and compare their stats and previous fights to one another.
  • Values determine if you can be a winner or a loser.
  • Odds are just projections by bookies and do not reflect how the fighters will perform once they are in the ring.
  • Form only affects the odds, not the outcome of the match.

Advantages and Disadvantages Present in Boxing Betting

Of course, betting on this sport does not come without its pros and cons, such as:

Pros

  • Various weight divisions add value to the odds.
  • Some matches are very easy to predict.
  • Unique odds are always offered during big fights.

Cons

  • Title fights rarely happen.
  • When it comes to heavyweights, prediction can be tougher.

Conclusion

Now that you understand how odds are given in boxing and have picked up a few tips, it is time for you to test your prediction skills. Head out to your trusted bookmaker and start betting!