As one of the oldest and most popular combat sports in the world, boxing has captured the attention of millions of fans. But with the rise of online betting, boxing has also become a favorite among sports bettors. Whether you are a seasoned punter looking to expand your betting horizons or a casual fan looking to add some excitement to the matches, learning how to bet on boxing can open up a whole new world of opportunities.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about betting on boxing. From the basics of understanding odds and different types of bets to proven strategies for success, this article will provide you with all the information you need to get started on your boxing betting journey. So grab your gloves and let’s dive in!
Boxing Betting Summary
Before we delve into the details of how to bet on boxing, let’s start with a brief overview of the key points you need to know about boxing betting.
History
Boxing and betting have been intertwined for decades, dating back to the early 20th century when betting on fights was commonly seen at local bars and taverns. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s and 1970s that Las Vegas emerged as the epicenter of professional boxing and betting. Today, with the rise of online sportsbooks, betting on boxing has become more accessible than ever before.
Betting Options
When it comes to betting on boxing, there are various options available. Here are the most common types of bets you will encounter:
Moneyline
The moneyline is the most straightforward and popular type of bet in boxing. With this bet, you are simply predicting the winner of the fight. Favorites are indicated by a negative (-) sign, which represents the amount you must wager to win $100. Underdogs, on the other hand, are denoted by a positive (+) sign, which indicates the amount you will win for a $100 bet.
Prop Bets
Prop bets, short for proposition bets, offer more specific and often unconventional wagers with higher potential payouts. These can include bets on specific fight stats, such as number of knockdowns or total punches thrown, or even offbeat bets like whether a certain celebrity will attend the fight.
Fight Outcome
Fight outcome bets allow you to bet on how the fight will end – whether it will be a stoppage (knockout or technical knockout), a decision, or a draw.
Round Betting
Round betting allows you to bet on the round in which a fighter will win by stoppage. This can be a lucrative bet if you have a good understanding of a fighter’s style and their likelihood of finishing a fight early.
Over/Under
Over/Under bets involve predicting the total number of rounds a fight will last. The sportsbook sets a line, and bettors can wager on whether they think the actual number of rounds will be over or under that line.
Strategies
As with any form of gambling, having a solid strategy is essential when it comes to betting on boxing. Here are some tips to keep in mind to increase your chances of success:
Pay Attention
To make informed bets, it’s crucial to stay informed about the sport of boxing. Keep an eye on rankings, recent fights, and any news or updates that may affect a fighter’s performance.
Parlays
Parlays, or accumulator bets, combine multiple bets into one for a potentially larger payout. However, these are also riskier since all bets must be correct for you to win. Use them sparingly and only when you are confident in your selections.
Shop Around
Different sportsbooks may offer different odds for the same fight, so it’s essential to shop around and compare options before placing your bet. This will help you find the best value and potentially increase your winnings.
Celebrity Boxing
While celebrity boxing matches may be popular, they are also highly unpredictable. These fights often involve amateur or untrained fighters, making it challenging to make informed bets. As such, it is generally not recommended to bet on these types of events.
How To Bet On Boxing: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we have covered the basics of boxing betting let’s take a closer look at the steps you need to follow to place a bet on a boxing match.
Step 1: Choose A Reputable Sportsbook
The first step to betting on boxing is to choose a reputable sportsbook. With the rise of online betting, there are many options available, so do your research and select one that has a good track record and offers competitive odds.
Step 2: Fund Your Account
Once you have selected a sportsbook, you will need to fund your account to start placing bets. Most sportsbooks offer various payment options, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.
Step 3: Understand The Odds
Before you can place a bet, you need to understand how odds work. As mentioned earlier, favorites have a negative (-) sign, while underdogs have a positive (+) sign. The numbers associated with these signs indicate how much you need to wager to win $100 in the case of favorites, or how much you will win for a $100 bet in the case of underdogs.
Let’s look at an example:
In a fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, the odds may look like this:
Pacquiao: -200 (Favorite) Mayweather: +150 (Underdog)
This means that if you bet $200 on Pacquiao and he wins, you will receive a payout of $300 ($200 bet + $100 winnings). On the other hand, if you bet $100 on Mayweather and he wins, your payout will be $250 ($100 bet + $150 winnings).
Step 4: Select Your Bet
Once you have a good understanding of odds, you can start selecting your bets. You can choose to bet on one specific outcome, such as the winner of the fight, or combine multiple bets into a parlay for a potentially larger payout.
Step 5: Place Your Bet
After selecting your bet, you can enter the amount you wish to wager and confirm your bet. The sportsbook will then deduct the amount from your account and provide you with a confirmation of your bet.
Strategies For Success In Boxing Betting
As mentioned earlier, having a solid strategy is crucial when it comes to betting on boxing. Here are some proven strategies to help increase your chances of success:
Do Your Research
The key to making informed bets in boxing is to stay informed about the sport. Keep track of rankings, recent fights, injuries, and any other factors that may affect a fighter’s performance.
Consider Styles And Matchups
In addition to keeping an eye on fighter statistics and records, it’s essential to consider styles and matchups when making your selections. Some fighters may have a style that matches up well against their opponent, giving them an advantage in the fight.
Watch The Weigh-In
The weigh-in is an essential event before a fight, where both fighters must meet a predetermined weight requirement. This event can often give clues about a fighter’s physical condition and their preparation for the fight.
Follow The Money
Many experienced bettors pay attention to the betting lines and where the money is going. If there is a significant shift in the betting line or a large amount of money is placed on one fighter, it could indicate insider information or other factors that may affect the outcome of the fight.
Be Selective With Parlays
While parlays can offer a larger payout, they are also riskier since all bets must be correct for you to win. As such, it’s essential to be selective with your parlays and not include too many bets.
The Impact Of Boxing On Betting
Boxing has had a significant impact on the world of sports betting, especially in recent years with the rise of online betting. Here are some of the ways in which boxing has influenced the betting industry:
Increased Popularity And Accessibility
The popularity of boxing has significantly increased in recent years, thanks in part to the rise of online betting. With more people able to place bets on fights from the comfort of their own homes, the sport has become more accessible to a wider audience.
Higher Stakes And Payouts
The stakes and payouts involved in boxing betting have also increased significantly in recent years. With more money being placed on fights, the potential winnings for successful bets have also increased, making it an attractive option for both casual fans and professional bettors.
More Diverse Betting Options
As the demand for boxing betting has grown, so has the diversity of betting options available. In addition to traditional bets on fight outcomes, there are now various prop bets and other unconventional options offered by sportsbooks.
Impact On Sportsbooks
The popularity of boxing betting has also had a significant impact on sportsbooks. Some sportsbooks now offer extensive coverage of boxing events, including live streaming and expert analysis, to cater to the growing demand from bettors.
Conclusion
Betting on boxing can be an exciting and potentially lucrative experience if done correctly. By understanding the basics of odds and different types of bets and implementing proven strategies, you can increase your chances of success in this popular form of sports betting. Remember to always do your research, be selective with your bets, and shop around for the best odds before placing your wagers. With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped to enter the world of boxing betting with confidence and make informed bets like a pro.