With its inherent unpredictability from both the fighters and the judges and the reality that a contest can end at any time, betting boxing is neither for the faint of heart nor light of wallet.
Aortic activity and cash convictions surely will be tested when Juan Manuel Marquez risks his Ring Magazine World Lightweight Championship against Juan "The Baby Bull" Diaz in Houston, Feb. 28. HBO cameras will allow boxing betting fans to follow the action, not to mention their money, via the live broadcast.
Marquez, (49-4-1, 36 KOs) opened as the -175 favorite (bet $175 to win $100) to defeat Diaz, (34-1, 17 KOs) the +135 underdog (bet $100 to win $135).
At 35, Marquez is 10 years older than Diaz, not that he looks like he's lost any of the skills that have allowed him to capture championships in three separate weight classes. In fact, it was just last September that Marquez stepped up to 135 pounds for the first time and became the only man to knock out Joel Casamayor, stopping the Cuban in the 11th round.
Marquez also has victories over Rocky Juarez and Marco Antonio Barrera, as well as a hard-earned draw and a controversial split decision loss to Manny Pacquiao, who generally is regarded as the world's best pound-for-pound fighter.
Marquez's edge in power, experience and stamina will tempt boxing betting aficionados to lay the price on the tough-chinned Mexican.
On the other glove, getting a "plus" on Diaz also is tempting. Diaz, who was just nine years old when Marquez made his professional boxing debut, is a three-time former lightweight champion who looked to be unbeatable until Nate Campbell took away his IBF, WBA and WBO 135-pound belts with a split decision victory last March.
Since the defeat, in which Diaz lacked his usual desire to punish his opponent's body, Diaz has tuned up for Marquez with a 12-round decision over Michael Katsidis, last September.
In addition to straight wagering on the fight, gamblers also have the option to bet the bout's total. Either lay -275 that the scheduled 12-rounder does reach the midway point of the 11th round or take +225 that the fight does not go 10 1/2 rounds.
Bettors also can wager on which of the fives way the fight will end: Marquez by decision (Even); Marquez by KO, TKO or disqualification (+450); Diaz by decision (+160); Diaz by KO, TKO or disqualification; (+600) or, the best price of all, 20/1 on a 12-round draw.
Bettors (or psychics) looking to make a big score also can try to choose the round in which the fight ends. Of course, if you pick the wrong fighter, wrong round, or the bout goes the distance, you lose:
MarquezRoundDiaz
50-1180/1
40/1266/1
40/1366/1
33/1466/1
33/1566/1
33/1666/1
28/1766/1
28/1866/1
28/1966/1
28/11066/1
28/11166/1
33/11280/1
If it means anything (psst, it doesn't), both fighters are confident of victory:
"Juan Diaz is a talented young fighter with a bright future but this is my time and I am not about to let Diaz take my belt away," insisted Marquez.
"Juan Manuel is one of the greats in the game and it's an honor to fight him but I will be victorious on February 28th," claimed Diaz.
Now it's time for boxing betting fans, with their money, to do the real talking.
This article was written by Luken Karel for http://www.thegreek.com. The Greek Sportsbook & Casino is host to one of the top online sportsbooks offering sports betting on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and all other major sports. The Greek is a must have sports betting and entertainment portal with one of the largest wagering menus available online. Article reproductions must include a link pointing to http://www.thegreek.com
