Tag: heavyweight title

Roy Jones Jr.: ‘Tyson Fury has a mind like (Muhammad) Ali’

Roy Jones Jr. told Tyson Fury years ago that he would be extremely successful if overcame personal problems and became disciplined.

Roy Jones Jr. knows a thing or two about success in boxing. And he’s not the slightest bit surprised that Tyson Fury has enjoyed quite a bit of it.

Jones was asked during a recent  iFL TV interview what he thought of the Englishman’s smashing performance against Deontay Wilder on Feb. 22 in Las Vegas, which ended in a seventh-round knockout that gave Fury a heavyweight title.

The former four-division titleholder’s response:

“Tyson Fury is one of the smartest guys in boxing today. I told Tyson Fury about three or four years ago that if he gets his act together, get himself in shape, he’ll be real happy with the outcome because he can beat multiple other guys.

“… He’s smarter than most of them. He’s more gifted in boxing than most of them. He uses his tools smarter. Muhammed Ali was the greatest of all time. But Muhammed Ali only used 65% of boxing skills. [The] rest of it he used his mind. Tyson Fury has a mind like Ali. He can beat anybody.”

Fury has been victorious in all but one of his fights, a disputed draw against Wilder in December 2018. And, again, he got it right in the rematch a few months ago.

He first struck gold in November 2015, when he thoroughly outboxed Wladimir Klitschko to end the Ukrainian’s long reign as heavyweight champ.

Fury then left boxing to deal with multiple personal issues but returned to become the No. 1 big man in the sport once again. He’s No. 8 on the Boxing Junkie pound-for-pound list.

Of course, Wilder probably will get a chance to change all that after exercising his contractual right to a third fight with Fury, although it’s not clear when it will happen because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury 2 odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Wilder-Fury heavyweight boxing matchup, with boxing betting odds, picks and best bets

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Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury will do battle in a heavyweight championship rematch at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Saturday, with the card getting underway at 9 p.m. ET.

Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury: What you need to know

Wilder (42-0-1) looks good — OK, really good — as I had to pleasure of attending the press conference at MGM Grand casino Wednesday. In fact, the news conference was so bombastic, resulting in pushing and shoving between the fighters and others, that the Nevada Sports Athletic Commission has barred WBC heavyweight title holder Wilder and lineal champ Fury from participating in the traditional faceoff at the weigh-in Friday.

Fury (29-0-1) has managed 20 knockouts of his own, but he is more known for being a technician rather than a brawler like Wilder. He was dropped in the ninth and 12th rounds by Wilder in the first meeting, but he managed to scrap his way back to a draw. In fact, the two knockdowns actually cost him, as one judge had it 113-113, and admitted Fury was docked two points for the knockdowns. Razor-thin margin.

This rematch will be one of the best fights of 2020, and it could be a trilogy if this bout ends in another draw or a close decision.

Wilder-Fury 2 odds, picks, tips and best bets

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 1:50 p.m. ET.

Wilder (-110) is a slight favorite over Fury (+100) on the 3-way betting line, with a Draw (+2000) also a choice. It isn’t a wise decision to back a second straight draw, however.

Wilder’s knockout percentage is simply amazing, but Fury is one of two fighters to avoid being knocked out by the WBC champ. Vegas considers this fight a toss-up, and the general public lean goes slightly to the champ. Backing WILDER TO WIN ON POINTS (FULL DISTANCE) at +800 is a good start to your ticket.

Special Wilder/Fury II betting line

Bet $1, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either Wilder or Fury win. Bet now! Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions.

If you don’t believe the fight goes to the judges, or you like Wilder late, go with WILDER TO WIN IN ROUNDS 10 THROUGH 12 (+800). That’s quite a nice return. Fury will not go quietly into the night, but Wilder could finish him late if fatigue becomes an issue. You could also play it safe — particularly if you’re on the fence on who wins but like the bout to go deep into the Vegas night — and take 9 ROUNDS OR MORE (-150).

Are you new to sports betting? A $10 wager on Wilder straight up at -110 to win outright pays just a $9.10 profit. 

My ticket will consist of a straight 3-way bet on Wilder (-110) to win, with a wager in Round Group Betting 2 which sees Wilder in Rounds 9-12 (+550). I’ll couple that with a hedge bet of the fight lasting 9 rounds or more (-150), regardless of winner. In addition, the Round Group Betting 3 section of when will the fight be won has ROUNDS 7-12 (+200) listed, which is a solid play, regardless of winner.

If you want some action on this title bout or other boxing matches, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Anthony Joshua reiterates that heavyweight title goes through him

Anthony Joshua is conducting a campaign to remind everyone that he has most of the heavyweight belts and most of the clout.

Anthony Joshua isn’t fighting anybody in February, yet he continues to keep himself squarely in the middle of all the talk swirling around the Feb. 22 Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury rematch on Fox/ESPN pay-per-view.

It’s still not clear whether he’ll be Fury’s sparring partner or in training for his own fight, a mandatory defense against Kubrat Pulev about a month from now. Maybe he’ll do both. Maybe not.

But it is abundantly clear he will keep himself in the conversation as perhaps the only option for the Fury-Wilder winner. It’s almost as if Joshua is conducting a political campaign, tirelessly reminding everyone that he has most of the belts and most of the clout. Fury-Wilder II looms as the biggest heavyweight fight in years, but Joshua is talking as if the real biggie – the true main event – will happen later in the year. Against him and only him.

That might be why he wondered aloud on Sky Sports this week why Wilder has only one belt in 43 fights while he has three in 24.

Now he has turned to iTV to explain why he’s picking Fury, already a slight betting favorite, to win the sequel at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand. Above all, he says, he thinks it would be easier to put together a fight with Fury than it would Wilder.

“The reason why I thought about it and why it came to fruition for me is because I feel like if Fury was to win that fight, I think he’d be more inclined to fight me next and quicker, than Wilder would,” Joshua said.

A Fury victory would also set up an all-U.K. showdown, perhaps for all of the pieces of the heavyweight title. Between now and then, however, belts and bucks could change hands.

Timing and circumstances might make it hard for Joshua to hold onto the three belts he took back in a rematch decision over Andy Ruiz Jr. on Dec. 7 in Saudi Arabia. He wants to keep those belts. But mostly he wants what everybody else wants: The Fury-Wilder winner

“That’s why I was rooting for Fury to win, because I just want to fight and collect my last belt,’’ Joshua said. “If I was a betting man, I think Fury wins.”

Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz Jr. heavyweight boxing matchup, with boxing betting odds, picks and best bets

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Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr. will go toe-to-toe for the world WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight championship titles in a rematch of last summer’s stunner at New York’s Madison Square Garden. This time the two will duel in a 15,000-seat open-air stadium in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, dubbed “Clash on the Dunes.” The fight is Saturday with the main event expected to start around 3:45 p.m. ET. This one comes at you via live stream on DAZN.

Joshua vs. Ruiz Jr.: What you need to know

Joshua (22-1-0, 21 KOs) is back in the ring looking for revenge after his shocking seventh-round loss at Ruiz Jr. (33-1-0, 22 KOs) in June.

Joshua was heavily favored in the first bout, but he was unable to make it through seven rounds. Ruiz Jr. pulled off an upset of historic proportions, similar to Buster Douglas stunning Mike Tyson, Hasim Rahman taking down Lennox Lewis, and Corrie Sanders upending Wladimir Klitschko.

Ruiz Jr. beat Joshua with speed, hurting him early and going in for the kill after some tentativeness and a lack of recovery on the Briton’s part. Joshua was wounded early in the fight, and he seemed to get rattled early due to Ruiz’s lightning speed and the fact he was hurt and unable to recover.

Ruiz might not be an Adonis as far as his physical attributes, and some might expect his cardio not to be up to snuff, but once he gets into the ring he’s all business — and every bit physically fit. In fact, his outstanding speed is a bit surprising considering he appears to be out of shape at first glance.

Special New Jersey BetMGM Joshua vs. Ruiz 2 Prop Bet

Bet $1, WIN $100 in free bets if either Anthony Joshua or Andy Ruiz Jr. get knocked down during their fight Saturday, December 7, 2019. Bet Now!
New customer offer, visit BetMGM for terms and conditions

Joshua vs. Ruiz Jr. odds, picks, tips and best bets

Per BetMGM, Joshua (-250) is a moderate favorite to return the favor against Ruiz Jr. (+188) on the 3-way betting line, with a draw (+3300) also a choice. You might want to avoid that, however, as it is extremely unlikely.

This has trilogy written all over it, and there are already some rumblings from the Ruiz camp that if Joshua scores the win, they would want a Joshua-Ruiz Jr. III bout. Expect that to happen.

Joshua is likely going to be a little more measured and less reckless than the first fight, and you can bet he spent a lot of time on his defense. That might help the fight go a little deeper, although he will still be champing at the bit looking to repay Ruiz for the embarrassing defeat in June, too.

Joshua (+350) at full distance might not be a terrible play, but a wager on Joshua winning in Rounds 7-12 (+250) is a much better bet, and gives you more opportunity. He’ll get the knockout, and his belts back, and you can expect we’ll get a third installment of this series, too.

If you like Joshua for the KO/TKO/technical decision or DQ victory, BetMGM, you’ll have to lay a little money, but not much at (-125).  A win on points by Joshua fetches a return of +350, which is a bit enticing, too. It’s a good bet, as mentioned above, to take the knockout instead, however. Joshua should be focused, determined and ready to return the favor. BetMGM has a special prop bet for those looking for the victory via KO or TKO, too.

If you feel the fight will go 12 rounds, with either fighter winning on points (+275), it is a bit of an intriguing play, but it went just seven last time, and Joshua should fire out of the box looking to end it sooner rather than later.

Are you new to sports betting? A $10 wager on Joshua straight up at -250 to win outright would return a $4.00 profit. 

My recommendations are playing JOSHUA IN ROUNDS 7-12 (+250), while BETTING HIM STRAIGHT UP on the 3-way fight result line at (-250). I have a hard time seeing Ruiz betting him in two consecutive bouts, especially since that would eliminate the need for a third fight in this series. And let’s face it, boxing loves drama, and there would be none with another Ruiz win.

If you want some action on this title bout or other boxing matches, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Deontay Wilder, Muhammad Ali now tied on list of defenses in single reign

Deontay Wilder pulled even with Muhammad Ali at No. 5 on the list of successful defenses in a single title reign.

Deontay Wilder is climbing the list of heavyweight titleholders with the most successful defenses.

His one-punch knockout of Luis Ortiz on Saturday was the 10th successful defense of his title, which equals Muhammad Ali for No. 5 on the all-time list in a single reign.

Joe Louis, with 25 (or 26 if you accept a ruling by the New York State Athletic Commission), tops the list.

Here is the Top 10 (number of successful defenses in a single reign):

1. Joe Louis – 25*
2. Larry Holmes – 19
3. Wladimir Klitschko – 18
4. Tommy Burns – 11
5T. Muhammad Ali – 10
Deontay Wilder – 10
7T. Joe Frazier – 9
Lennox Lewis – 9
Vitali Klitschko – 9
10. Jack Johnson – 8

Joe Louis’ records for number of successful title defenses seem safe. U.S. Army via AP

Wilder, who has had only one reign as titleholder, also moved up a notch on the list of total successful defenses. Here’s that Top 10:

1. Joe Louis – 25*
2. Wladimir Klitschko – 23
3. Muhammad Ali – 19
4. Larry Holmes – 19
5T. Lennox Lewis – 13
Vitali Klitschko – 13
7. Deontay Wilder – 10
8T. Mike Tyson – 9
Joe Frazier – 9
10. Evander Holyfield – 7

*- A 26th fight during Louis’ reign, against Johnny Davis in 1944, was supposed to be one in a series of exhibitions but the New York State Athletic Commission declared that Louis’ title was at stake.

Wilder-Ortiz odds: Luis Ortiz seeks revenge vs. Deontay Wilder

Previewing the betting odds for the WBC heavyweight title bout between Luis Ortiz and Deontay Wilder, with boxing analysis, picks and tips.

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Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz square off in a rematch for the WBC heavyweight title at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Saturday, with the card kicking off at 9 p.m. ET.

Wilder-Ortiz: What you need to know

Wilder (41-0-1) puts his nearly unblemished record on the line in a title rematch bout on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View. Wilder has seen 98 percent of his victories come via the knockout, including a 10th-round KO back in 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. It nearly went another way, as Ortiz was working him over with heavy, sustained damage in the seventh. However, Wilder showed his champion mettle by pulling himself out of the fire and rebounding with a knockout of his own in what was an epic boxing bout harkening back to the heyday of the sweet science.

For Ortiz (31-1), that remains his only setback in a 32-bout career. Since that right uppercut dropped him from the ranks of the unbeaten he has taken out his aggression on Razvan Cojanu and Travis Kauffman in knockouts before picking up a decision victory against Christian Hammer.

Now, he gets a chance to get all the way on top. He cited problems with his cardio as the reason he petered out in the last bout against Wilder, as he really went all-in in the seventh round trying to drop Wilder, but he just couldn’t finish and expended a lot of energy to do so.

Wilder-Ortiz odds, picks, tips and best bets

May 18, 2019; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Deontay Wilder (bronze trunks) celebrates moments after defeating Dominic Breazeale by knockout in the first round of their world heavyweight championship boxing match at Barclays Center. Photo Credit: Sarah Stier – USA TODAY Sports

Per BetMGM, Wilder (-500) is the heavy favorite over Ortiz (+333) on the 3-way betting line, with a Draw (+2500) also a choice. It isn’t a good choice, though.

If you were to look for lighting to strike twice, with a Wilder knockout in Round 10 (+1400), that pays rather handsomely. However, individual round betting is not a great investment. Instead, look to Round Group Betting, where Wilder to win in Rounds 9-12 (+500) pays fairly well.

Special New Jersey BetMGM Wilder-Ortiz Prop Bet
Bet $1, WIN $100 in free bets if Wilder wins vs. Ortiz Saturday, Nov. 23, by KO or TKO.  Bet Now!
New customer offer, visit BetMGM for terms and conditions

If you like Wilder for the KO/TKO/Technical Decision or DQ victory, BetMGM has him listed as a rather heavy favorite at -334, with a win on points at +650 rather tempting. However, most talking heads expect a knockout, and Wilder’s track record suggests the same. BetMGM has a special prop bet for those looking for the victory via KO or TKO, too.

If you feel the fight will go 12 rounds, with either fighter winning on points (+450), you can do fairly well, but it isn’t a recommended wager.

Are you new to sports betting? A $10 wager on Wilder straight up at -500 to win outright pays just a $2.00 profit. 

I personally prefer Group Betting, with the fight won in Rounds 7-12 (+150), while doubling down on Wilder in Rounds 7-12 (+188). If both of those things come through on a $100 wager, it pays a respectable $269. Sign me up.

If you want some action on this title bout or other boxing matches, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Deontay Wilder vs. Luis Ortiz odds: Wilder is about a 4-1 favorite

Deontay Wilder (-500) is a heavy favorite to defeat Luis Ortiz (+333) in their rematch Saturday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Deontay Wilder and Luis Ortiz square off in a rematch for Wilder’s WBC heavyweight title Saturday at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, with the card kicking off at 9 p.m. ET. / 6 p.m. PT.

Wilder-Ortiz: What you need to know

Deontay Wilder (41-0-1, 40 knockouts) puts his nearly unblemished record on the line in a title rematch bout on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View. Wilder has seen 98 percent of his victories come via the knockout, including a 10th-round KO of Ortiz in March of last year at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. It nearly went another way, as Ortiz was working him over with heavy, sustained damage in the seventh. However, Wilder showed his champion mettle by pulling himself out of the fire and rebounding with a knockout of his own in an epic bout.

For Ortiz (31-1, 26 KOs), that remains the only setback in his 32-bout career. Since that right uppercut dropped him from the ranks of the unbeaten, he has taken out his aggression on Razvan Cojanu and Travis Kauffman in knockouts before picking up a decision victory against Christian Hammer.

Now, he gets another chance to get all the way on top. He cited problems with his cardio as the reason he petered out in the last bout against Wilder, as he expended a lot of energy in the seventh round trying to drop Wilder.

Wilder-Ortiz odds, picks, tips and best bets

Deontay Wilder celebrates moments after defeating Dominic Breazeale by knockout in the first round. Sarah Stier / USA TODAY Sports

 

Per BetMGM, Wilder (-500) is the heavy favorite over Ortiz (+333) on the 3-way betting line, with a Draw (+2500) also a choice. It isn’t a good choice, though.

If you were to look for lighting to strike twice, with a Wilder knockout in Round 10 (+1400), that pays rather handsomely. However, individual round betting is not a great investment. Instead, look to Round Group Betting, where Wilder to win in Rounds 9-12 (+500) pays fairly well.

Special New Jersey BetMGM Wilder-Ortiz Prop Bet
Bet $1, WIN $100 in free bets if Wilder wins vs. Ortiz Saturday, Nov. 23, by KO or TKO.  Bet Now!
New customer offer, visit BetMGM for terms and conditions

If you like Wilder for the KO/TKO/Technical Decision or DQ victory, BetMGM has him listed as a rather heavy favorite at -334, with a win on points at +650 rather tempting. However, most talking heads expect a knockout, and Wilder’s track record suggests the same. BetMGM has a special prop bet for those looking for the victory via KO or TKO, too.

If you feel the fight will go 12 rounds, with either fighter winning on points (+450), you can do fairly well, but it isn’t a recommended wager.

Are you new to sports betting? A $10 wager on Wilder straight up at -500 to win outright pays just a $2.00 profit. 

I personally prefer Group Betting, with the fight won in Rounds 7-12 (+150), while doubling down on Wilder in Rounds 7-12 (+188). If both of those things come through on a $100 wager, it pays a respectable $269. Sign me up.

If you want some action on this title bout or other boxing matches, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

Deontay Wilder playing with fire by fighting Luis Ortiz again

Luis Ortiz came within a few punches of knocking out Deontay Wilder in March of last year yet Wilder agreed to fight him again.

Say what you want about Deontay Wilder but you have to agree: The man has nerve.

Luis Ortiz came within a few punches of knocking out the heavyweight titleholder in March of last year but Wilder survived and turned the tables, stopping Ortiz in Round 10. So what does Wilder do? He agrees to fight Ortiz again.

He didn’t have to do that, which isn’t lost on one interested party.

“Deontay Wilder is a throwback fighter like me, and we both want to fight the best,” said Ortiz, who, like Wilder, arrived Tuesday at the MGM Grand for their fight Saturday in Las Vegas. “I believe I’m the best and that’s why I’m getting this rematch.”

Wilder (41-0-1, 40 knockouts) seconded that notion.

“Even though I knocked Ortiz out the first time, it was an amazing fight,” he said. “That was the fight that I was challenged the most. I understand why none of the other heavyweights want to fight Ortiz.

Luis Ortiz arrives at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas for his second shot at Deontay Wilder on Saturday. Stephanie Trapp / TGB Promotions

“He’s very dangerous and I blessed him with a second chance,” continued Wilder. “Fans always get their money’s worth when I’m on the big stage.”

Wilder is coming off a Knockout of the Year candidate in May, a one-punch stoppage of Dominic Breazeale in Brooklyn. That followed Wilder’s controversial draw with Tyson Fury, who waits in the wings to see who will win on Saturday.

Ortiz (31-1, 26 KOs) has beaten three journeymen since the setback against Wilder, the last being a unanimous-decision victory over Christian Hammer in March.

However, the 40-year-old Cuban also has destroyed the contenders he has faced since turning pro in 2010, which is why few heavyweights have been eager to face him. Among his victims: Lateef Kayode, Bryant Jennings, Tony Thompson and Malik Scott.

Wilder and Ortiz appear to be serious about their rematch. Stephanie Trapp / TGB Promotions

Ortiz expects to give a vintage performance on Saturday.

“I’m focused on this fight and this fight only and doing everything to have my hand raised Saturday night,” he said.

Wilder also is confident.

“People know what I’m able to do to another human being inside of that ring,” he said. “I can’t wait for Saturday night.”

Deontay Wilder building impressive legacy of consistency

Deontay Wilder’s nine successful defenses during a single title reign equals three greats at No. 6 on the all-time list.

The first word you might think of when Deontay Wilder is mentioned is power. Another word might also be appropriate: longevity.

Lennox Lewis and the Klitschko brothers became known for their consistency over an extended period of time and Wilder is beginning to build the same sort of legacy. Wilder outpointed Bermane Stiverne to win his heavyweight title in January 2015 – close to five years ago – and has successfully defended nine times, including his draw with Tyson Fury last December.

That figure – nine successful defenses by a heavyweight titleholder in a single reign – equals Joe Frazier, Lewis and Vitali Klitschko at No. 6 on the all-time list. If Wilder beats Luis Ortiz in their rematch on Nov. 23, he will pull into a tie with Muhammad Ali at No. 5.

Before Lewis, you have to go back to the early 1980s to find such numbers. Larry Holmes made 16 consecutive successful defenses during a single reign between 1978 and 1983.

Wilder has successfully defended his title against Eric Molina, Johann Duhaupas, Artur Szpilka, Chris Arreola, Gerald Washington, Stiverne, Ortiz, Fury and Dominic Breazeale.

Here is the Top 10 (number of successful defenses in a single reign):

1. Joe Louis – 26
2. Larry Holmes – 19
3. Wladimir Klitschko – 18
4. Tommy Burns – 11
5. Muhammad Ali – 10
6T. Joe Frazier – 9
Lennox Lewis – 9
Vitali Klitschko – 9
Deontay Wilder – 9
10. Jack Johnson – 8

Joe Louis’ records for number of successful title defenses seem safe. U.S. Army via AP

Of course, Wilder, who has had only one reign as titleholder, is lower on the list of total successful defenses. Here’s that Top 10:

1. Joe Louis – 26
2. Wladimir Klitschko – 23
3. Muhammad Ali – 19
4. Larry Holmes – 19
5T. Lennox Lewis – 13
Vitali Klitschko – 13
7. Mike Tyson – 9
8T. Joe Frazier – 9
Deontay Wilder – 9
10. Evander Holyfield – 7