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Boxing Betting - Weighing in on Weight Classes and Matchups

Boxing Betting: Weighing in on Weight Classes and Matchups

Since its inception, boxing has grown tremendously and has become a favorite sport for millions worldwide. Did you know that by 2021, boxing participants had spiraled to a massive 6.7 million in the United States alone? We’ll leave it to you to comprehend how big the boxing market has expanded.

You’ve seen the boxing commercials and sponsors involved, especially during a big fight. The recent Anthony Joshua versus Francis Ngannou fight is a testament to the staggering support boxing gets. But how many people understand the impact of weight classes and matchups on boxing betting? We believe it’s one of the most straightforward sports to bet on, but only if you fully grasp how boxing operates.

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As much as unpredictability exists everywhere, boxing is a bit different from other professional sports like basketball and football. Most of the time, the highly favorable boxer will always win. However, this does not mean that you simply have to bet on the most favorable participant all the time. There is more to it; you need NXTbet’s expertise to make informed betting decisions.

In this blog, we seek to simplify boxing betting and provide punters with the knowledge to improve their chances of winning.

Understanding Boxing Weight Classes

The massive array of boxing weight classes will probably leave you wondering how this sport works. If you can’t distinguish between heavyweight, cruiserweight, middleweight, flyweight, and other weight classes, you are in the right place. But first, let’s understand why boxing has weight classes.

The Role of Weight Classes in Boxing

Boxing uses weight classes to categorize boxers of different weights. The purpose of the classification is to make the bouts fair between boxers of similar ages, heights, and weights. Plus, the older an individual gets, the easier it becomes to move up the weight class ladder; since losing weight becomes more difficult, the body retains muscle mass and bone density intensifies.

The major weight classes in men’s boxing include:

  • Heavyweight (over 200 lbs)
  • Cruiserweight (200 lbs)
  • Light heavyweight (175 lbs)
  • Super middleweight (168 lbs)
  • Middleweight (160 lbs)
  • Super welterweight (154 lbs)
  • Welterweight (147 lbs)
  • Super lightweight (140 lbs)
  • Lightweight (135 lbs)
  • Super featherweight (130 lbs)
  • Featherweight (126 lbs)
  • Super bantamweight (122 lbs)
  • Bantamweight (118 lbs)
  • Super flyweight (115 lbs)
  • Flyweight (112 lbs)
  • Light flyweight (108 lbs)
  • Minimumweight (105 lbs)

Weight differences become more critical as the weight classes become lighter because it is often perceived that small weight comes with certain advantages, such as agility, footwork, and speed. But a higher weight also translates to endurance, power, and resilience. So, don’t ignore the difference in weight when placing bets!

How Weight Affects Performance

Weight can positively and negatively impact a boxer’s speed, power, and endurance. Heavier boxers have much more power due to their higher body weight and muscle mass. This technically means that their punches and strikes are harder and have a lot of force. On the other hand, the weight also affects their speed and agility, thus hindering swift reactions and change of direction during the bouts.

Here are some general considerations about the effects of weight on performance:

  • Lighter weight classes (e.g., Flyweight, Bantamweight) are known for speed, agility, and fast-paced combinations.
    Middleweight classes (e.g., Welterweight,
  • Middleweight) are known for a balance of speed and power, with more technical knockouts.
  • Heavyweights are known for emphasizing power punching and knockouts.

Analyzing Matchups in Boxing Betting

One thing we are certain about is that punters rarely shy away from an enticing matchup because of the potential wins. A prime fight involving boxers such as Anthony Joshua, Canelo Alvarez, Deontay Wilder, Oleksandr Usyk, or Tyson Fury will have you rushing to your favorite sportsbook.

However, before placing any bets, you must analyze such matchups by looking at their past performances, physical attributes, and offensive and defensive styles. So, let’s dive deeper into the matchmaking considerations that should inform your betting choices.

The Significance of Styles and Strategies

We at NXTbets would love to see you making big cashouts from your bets. You must understand that placing bets isn’t just about picking a winner. Here are some of the betting strategies you should pay attention to:

  • Styles make fights: a boxer’s technique, whether it is power, speed, or any other attributes, needs to be weighed against their opponent. For instance, being a swarmer, slugger, or boxer-puncher greatly affects matchups.
  • Records can be deceiving: the quality of opposition and level of competition faced needs a thorough evaluation. You can’t blindly rely on an unbeaten record without looking at the fighters’ previous opponents and the winning format (whether it was a disqualification, knockout, unanimous decision, etc.)
  • Age and natural weight can play big roles: younger fighters are often lighter and faster than aging fighters who struggle to meet the weight requirements. Of course, we have already explained the role of weight in boxing performances.
  • Activity and preparation time: Fighters with ‘ring rust’ will probably struggle against recently active fighters. However, too much activity can also cause fatigue and muscle soreness, hindering fighters’ performances.
  • Promoter/manager motives behind making/taking a particular fight: there have been reports of match fixing by boxing officials in the past for reasons best known to the officials. However, one constant factor in such cases is always money; in rare circumstances, favoritism is also a factor.

The Impact of Physical and Mental Preparation

The mind is a very powerful tool, and this is something that many boxers do not comprehend. Did you know that mental toughness is just as crucial as physical preparation and training in boxing? While physical preparation gives fighters an edge over their opponents in terms of skills, mental toughness ensures that they stay focused and handle any pressure related to the bout.

Making Smart Bets on Boxing: Tips and Strategies

Here are some tips and strategies for making smart bets on boxing matches:

Understand the Weight Classes

Knowing the different weight classes (heavyweight, light heavyweight, middleweight, etc.) is crucial. This is because fighters naturally excel in certain weight divisions based on their size and skills. Be wary of fighters moving up or down in weight.

Study Fighting Styles

Some styles match up better against others. An aggressive swarmer may have trouble with an excellent boxer/mover. Contrasting styles, like Southpaw versus Orthodox, can be problematic. For instance, both Southpaw (suitable for left-handed boxers) and Orthodox (suitable for right-handed boxers) stances involve placing the stronger hand to the rear, waiting to pounce on the opponent.

Examine Skill Levels

Breaking down fighters’ skills in areas such as power punching, defense, chin/ability to take a punch, ring IQ, etc., can reveal potential advantages.

Review Experience Levels

Experience plays a major role, especially in championship fights. Unproven fighters can wilt under the brighter lights, while veterans with more big-fight experience often hold the edge.

Evaluate Probable Gameplans

Gauging how fights may play out is key. Will Fighter A look to box from the outside? Will Fighter B try to press the action? In a nutshell, tactical approaches impact bets.

Consider Intangible Factors

Training camps, motivation levels, personal issues, or distractions can give insights beyond just skills. Mentally stronger fighters often prevail over their weaker counterparts.

Bet Underdogs for Value

The favorite fighter may seem likely to win, but underdogs can offer better value if you determine they are underrated and have a decent shot at victory.

Manage Bankrolls Wisely

Set defined units for wagers based on a fixed percentage of your bankroll. Avoid drastically increasing bet sizes and chasing losses.

Shop for Best Prices

Boxing odds can vary across sportsbooks. Having accounts at multiple books ensures you can get the most favorable lines.

Note that no set of strategies will 100% guarantee a win. However, following these strategies and doing comprehensive homework can give you an edge when betting on the squared circle.

Real-Life Examples of Successful Betting on Weight Classes and Matchups

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You can’t talk about boxing betting without mentioning Drake. The only problem is that we can’t mention the phrases ‘successful bets’ and ‘Drake’ in the same sentence. Well, who doesn’t know about the Drake curse? The curse manifested again in the heavyweight matchup between Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou, where Drake placed a $615,000 bet on Ngannou to win, but he lost the wager. Though not a successful betting story, the fight is a perfect example of wagering on boxing weight classes and matchups.

Conclusion

Before making any betting decisions, it is necessary to have comprehensive knowledge about weight classes and matchups in boxing. You can also refine your betting approaches using the insights and strategies shared in this article. If you encounter any challenges, feel free to contact NXTbets for guidance. We are fully committed to providing valuable betting advice and resources.

Visit our website for more content, and don’t forget to sign up for exclusive betting tips!

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Frequently Asked Questions

In this age of the Internet, there are numerous ways to research boxers’ previous performances. You can visit any official boxing website, from the World Boxing Association to USA Boxing, American Boxing Association, and International Boxing Association. You can also search for match reviews on credible news outlets and video recordings of past matches on YouTube.

Finding value in betting odds simply means calculating an event’s true odds and comparing it to the bookmakers’ odds. The purpose is to ascertain the chances of making positive returns from a wager. But you must also know the betting odds and understand implied probability in betting.

Getting started on boxing betting is straightforward. The first step is identifying a reputable sportsbook and creating an account. After creating an account, select your preferred market (moneyline, round, or proposition betting) and deposit a reasonable amount. You can also check out and sign up with our sportsbook partners for a wholesome boxing betting experience.

Some of the top betting mistakes to avoid include:

  • Chasing losses
  • Poor bankroll management
  • Ignoring research and insights from experts
  • Emotional betting
  • Not setting or sticking to a budget
  • Placing excess bets

Boxing mismatches are rare, and when they happen, it is either by design, a difference in skill sets, or the fighters’ choice. More often than not, the two sides will meet and agree on a catchweight (a favorable weight to be met by both participants). This is because a matchup between boxers with a huge weight difference is not entertaining.

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