*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
This week’s boxing is one for the history books – Heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury and rival British challenger Dillian Whyte have sold out every seat, box and toilet cubicle at Wembley stadium for their clash this Saturday night, and we have the rundown on the best bets on offer.
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Tyson Fury v Dillian Whyte, Saturday 23 April
TV: BT Sport Box Office – ring walk at 10pm
Undercard from 6pm
Tyson Fury to win via points or decision
People’s champ and heavyweight number one Fury hasn’t thrown leather on UK shores for almost four years, but this weekend he puts his green and gold belt on the line against the man who has been made to wait for years for this opportunity. Paddy makes the unbeaten Fury a massive favourite and odds-on to win by KO, but I think this could be competitive.
Just because Fury walked down and battered Deontay Wilder for two fights in a row doesn’t mean that he’ll do that against Whyte. Big Tyson felt comfortable and confident against the American and he knew the best way to beat him was by backing him up – Whyte has a very different style and Fury might want to have a look before going gung ho.
Another factor is that the champ has only boxed once in the last two years and he hasn’t fought someone other than Wilder since April 2019. That level of activity is similar for Whyte, but Fury is a reflexes and rhythm man, and he is always better if he has boxed recently.
Tyson’s trainer, mentor and buddy SugarHill Steward has talked about the danger of Dillian and being in “total control” this Saturday night, and there’s a big chance Fury goes back to the style he was known for prior to 2020 – a slick, back foot, jab-heavy and, ultimately, quite boring approach.
There is no doubting Whyte’s motivation for what will be his first world title shot, given that it’s on his home turf of Wembley in front of 90-odd thousand people. But if the 6-foot-9 champ keeps it long, Whyte doesn’t have the same reach and speed to be dangerous from distance like Deontay – Fury to win on points with a masterclass in the noble art is very good value.
Tyson Fury to Win in Round 9 – 12
Fury might not chase the KO like he did in his last two bouts, and he only has a mediocre KO ratio of 68%, but Whyte’s will to win might land him in trouble. The Jamaican-born Londoner won’t stop trying to score big on Tyson, and if the champ gets in a flow he could start to pick-off his challenger.
In his fights against Deontay Wilder and Dereck Chisora, Fury didn’t manage to get a proper lights-out KO but he did enough for the corner, referee or doctor to step in and stop the fight.
Whyte has lost twice in career and both times were by KO, and he’s been dropped deep into contests with Joseph Parker and Oscar Rivas. Whyte has talked about being a warrior this week, but if he’s taking a pasting in the final few rounds the decision could be taken out his hands.
Both Fighters to be knocked down & Tyson Fury to win
As always, Paddy is furnishing us with all bets big, small and strange through his WhatOddsPaddy offering. The one that really stands out to me – with substantial odds attached – is the bet for both fighters to be knocked down and Fury to win.
Fury was knocked down by Wilder four times and he was decked by a couple of other, lesser opponents early in his career. Whyte is strong and rough, and he has a vicious left hook – it’s not beyond imagination that Whyte puts Fury on his pants, and then we have a serious bet on our hands.
Dillian Whyte to Win in Round 7 – 12
Some boxers are counter-punchers and some boxing fans will always give the counter argument, and this is for them – I think Fury will win but there are some massive prices in Paddy’s book that have got me considering the upset.
What if Wilder isn’t really that good or that powerful? The Alabama man beat up a 40-year-old Luis Ortiz and, other than that, some fringe top 20 guys – hardly proof of god given power. We’ve seen Whyte against much better men and I think we’ll see the best version of the ‘Body Snatcher’ at the national football stadium.
Dillian can do two things Wilder can’t – detonate big punches off the back foot and land hand shots to the body. If Fury gets greedy and leaves his chin in the air, or his body isn’t in tip-top shape, Whyte could hurt him, and you never know, there’s a chance he could stop him.
Fury v Whyte tips
Tyson Fury Points or Decision
Tyson Fury to Win in Round 9 – 12
Both Fighters to be knocked down & Tyson Fury to win
Dillian Whyte to Win in Round 7 – 12
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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