Since the 18th century, boxing has been synonymous with betting, as the British defined the sport by making wagers available on either fighter and awarded prizes to the victors. Professional boxing as we know it today has grown tremendously and gone through good, bad and ugly stages, from its peak in the 1960s and 70s with the popularity of fighters like Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard to the more recent downfall and corruption associated with the careers of Mike Tyson and Don King, respectively.

Despite its ups and downs, pro boxing still thrives in Las Vegas, the gambling capital of the world, where boxing odds are available in almost every sportsbook. This article will focus on the different wagering options you have with betting boxing and give you tips on understanding boxing odds, including what factors to consider before placing a wager. Basics of Betting Boxing Sports bettors mostly enjoy boxing for its brutal nature and promotional build-up, with only the Super Bowl rivaling a major championship fight in terms of betting interest and media attention. It’s also very easy to place a bet on a boxing match, as you generally wager simply on who you think will win the fight or sometimes on the rare possibility of a draw, all based on money lines. If you are unclear about how money lines work, make sure to check out Reading and Understanding Money Lines.

Betting Tips for Success Boxing is the most controversial professional sport due to its close link to gambling and because it is driven solely by money. The best advice we can give you is to learn as much as you can about the fighters, especially heavy favorites since they will obviously require a much bigger investment. Like other sports, champion boxers can overlook opponents and may not always be as motivated as they should be going into a title fight.

There is also big money involved in fight rematches, so it shouldn’t be too surprising when an up-and-coming contender like Jermain Taylor knocks off a champion who hasn’t lost in more than 10 years like Bernard Hopkins. Some boxing contracts even have “rematch clauses” in them to guarantee another money-making fight, with Taylor-Hopkins being one of them. Another key point we can make using the Hopkins-Taylor fight as an example is that the popular fighter is generally over-rated and over-priced due to his status of being more well-known with the public. Because of this popularity factor, challengers like Taylor have great value and are worth betting on.

The position of ones’ body is an important first step in learning boxing techniques. One should stand fully upright with legs apart approximately shoulder width with the rear foot a half step behind the lead foot. The proper lead foot for you will depend on whether you are right handed or left handed. Right handed boxers will have their left foot as the lead foot and left handed boxers will have their right foot in front. Toes should be pointed very slightly inward with the bulk of ones’ weight on the lead foot. Arms are raised with the lead fist at eye level about 6-8″ away from the face. The other fist should be at chin level with elbows close to the body. Chin should be down and close to the chest. This body positioning allows for the quick, forceful movements that are inherent to the sport of boxing and offer the greatest protection. Getting into this body stance should be practiced repeatedly until it feels completely natural to the beginning boxer. One should practice the various punches that are most effective in wearing down the opponent.

The “jab” is a common punch used by all boxers. It is a very quick, straight ahead punch in which your body rotates slightly. When the jabbing arm is fully extended toward the target it leaves the shoulder in a position to protect the chin area. The other fist is in a guard position near the chin as well. The “cross” is another powerful strike that comes from the rear hand. It is also a quick. forceful and straight across movement which again results in slight body rotation. In a similar manner to the jab, the alternate hand is protecting the face from counter punches. The “hook” is performed as a semi-circular punch from the lead hand. The arm swings in a horizontal arc toward the opponent. Most hook shots aim for the chin but there can be other target areas as well. In this punch, the lead foot pivots as the rear heel turns outwardly. The “uppercut” is performed with the rear hand as it rises in an upward arc toward its’ intended target. The knees are slightly bent at the beginning of this punch but with the upward motion of the arm, the knees also push upward. This movement adds additional power to the punch. Training for boxing is essential if one desires to gain competence. Punching bags or punching dummies are a great way to help one become proficient at this sport.