The NBA draft odds and proposition bets are up. The FIFA World Cup Group F said goodbye in Italian as Slovakia devoured Italy like Asian carp. Now let's get some boxing odds previews.
The Alamodome in San Antonio should come to life on Saturday night as Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. faces John Duddy in a major boxing betting matchup. What makes this bout especially fun is that both fighters are eager to step into a bigger spotlight. Both guys have something to prove.
MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (41-0-1, 30 KOs) vs John Duddy (29-1, 18 Kos)
Saturday, June 26, 9:00 p.m. ET
SBG Global odds: Chavez Jr. -380, Duddy +280
Ireland's John Duddy enters this fight as an underdog – and it's not a role he's been used to until recently. Duddy flashed plenty of power and brawling ability early in his career and looked like a rising middleweight star. But suddenly his bad habits – like not tucking his chin enough – caught up to him and he began taking beatings and laboring through fights against opponents that were supposedly pushovers.
Even though he still ground out wins, Duddy's star wasn't burning as brightly. Then he really cost himself some future paydays when he lost a decision to Billy Lyell. But the courageous Irishman eventually got back on track. Is he still a flawed fighter? Probably. But he's been kind to sports betting fans of late, putting together a three-fight winning streak and really just relying on his heart and desire to land a big fight.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is more enigmatic than most fighters who are undefeated through 40-plus career fights. His dad has the legendary name and the record looks great but sports picks makers constantly ask: whom has Junior fought?
Duddy could very well be the perfect matchup for Chavez. He's definitely Chavez's toughest opponent yet – a powerful, aggressive, exciting fighter whose name is big enough that beating him would earn Chavez newfound respect. At the same time, Duddy's flaws could leave him exposed. Chavez hasn't dazzled in recent bouts but if Duddy starts sticking his jaw out again, he'll be an easy target that could make Chavez look good.
This is actually quite a tough bout to call. Will Chavez pick apart the wild Irishman or will he be overwhelmed and exposed as overrated? I'll give the prodigal son the benefit of the doubt. I say he outclasses Duddy. But if he doesn't, it's time to start avoiding Chavez Jr. fights at your sportsbook.
Free pick: Chavez Jr. -380
