Boxing has long been a sport that captivates audiences with its mix of skill, strategy, and raw emotion. But for some fans, the real excitement comes not from watching the fights themselves, but from placing bets on the outcomes. And while many bettors tend to favor the favorites, there is a special thrill that comes from betting on the underdog – and potentially winning big money in the process.
Why Betting on the Underdog Can be Lucrative
When it comes to boxing betting, the underdog is often seen as the riskier bet. After all, they are the ones who are perceived to have less chance of winning the fight. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t come out on top – and when they do, the payouts can be substantial. Here are a few reasons why betting on the underdog can be a lucrative strategy:
- Higher odds: Because underdogs are seen as less likely to win, sportsbooks will often offer higher odds on them. This means that if you place a bet on an underdog and they do end up winning, you stand to make a larger profit than if you had bet on the favorite.
- Less competition: Since most bettors tend to favor the favorites, there is usually less competition when it comes to betting on the underdog. This can give you an edge when it comes to finding value in your bets.
- Motivation: Underdogs are often underestimated by both fans and bookmakers, which can give them extra motivation to prove their critics wrong. This can lead to unexpected upsets and big payouts for savvy bettors.
Tips for Betting on Underdogs
While betting on the underdog can be a risky endeavor, there are a few tips that can help you maximize your chances of success:
- Do your research: Before placing a bet on an underdog, make sure to do your homework. Look at the fighters’ records, past performances, and fighting styles to get a sense of their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you make an informed decision about whether they have a realistic chance of winning.
- Consider the odds: While it can be tempting to bet on the underdog with the highest odds, it’s important to remember that higher odds also mean lower chances of winning. Instead, look for underdogs with decent odds and a realistic shot at pulling off an upset.
- Look for value: Even if a fighter is considered an underdog, they may still have some hidden strengths or advantages that the bookmakers have overlooked. Look for value in your bets by identifying underdogs who have a solid chance of winning but are being undervalued by the oddsmakers.
Famous Underdog Stories in Boxing
Over the years, boxing has been home to some of the most memorable underdog stories in sports history. From unlikely upsets to Cinderella stories, here are a few of the most famous underdog victories in boxing:
- Buster Douglas vs. Mike Tyson: In 1990, Buster Douglas shocked the world when he defeated the undefeated heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a stunning upset. Douglas was a 42-1 underdog going into the fight, but he proved his critics wrong with a knockout victory in the 10th round.
- James “Buster” Douglas vs. Mike Tyson: In 1990, Buster Douglas pulled off one of the biggest upsets in boxing history when he defeated Mike Tyson to win the undisputed heavyweight championship. Douglas was a massive underdog going into the fight, but he outboxed and ultimately knocked out Tyson in the 10th round.
- Leon Spinks vs. Muhammad Ali: In 1978, Leon Spinks, a relatively unknown fighter, defeated the legendary Muhammad https://ggbets.se/ Ali to win the heavyweight championship. Spinks was a 10-1 underdog going into the fight, but he managed to outlast Ali and win a split decision victory.
- Andy Ruiz Jr. vs. Anthony Joshua: In 2019, Andy Ruiz Jr. shocked the boxing world when he defeated Anthony Joshua to win the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles. Ruiz was a late replacement for the fight and was a significant underdog, but he knocked Joshua down four times en route to a 7th round TKO victory.
These underdog stories serve as a reminder that anything can happen in boxing, and that betting on the underdog can sometimes lead to incredible payouts. While placing bets on underdogs is inherently risky, with the right strategy and a little luck, it’s possible to turn a long shot into a big payday.
