Super Middleweight Title Fight: Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford
As the highly anticipated super middleweight title fight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford draws near, betting trends indicate a growing support for the underdog, Crawford. From the onset, bookmakers positioned Canelo as a favorite, opening the odds at -225 in favor of Alvarez while Crawford was set at +175.
However, recent weeks have seen these figures adjust significantly. By midsummer, Alvarez’s odds shifted to -175, whereas Crawford’s odds tightened to +140. As of Friday, Alvarez’s odds fluctuated back to -200 before settling at -170, with Crawford remaining at +140. In a three-way betting market, Alvarez stands at -160, Crawford at +150, with a draw priced at +1200.
Betting Trends and Insights
Interest among bettors is tilting towards Crawford, with a substantial number of wagers favoring him, according to multiple sportsbooks. DraftKings sportsbook director, Johnny Avello, reported an increased betting volume on Crawford, stating that early bets were coming in heavily in his favor, leading to the downward movement in Alvarez’s odds. BetMGM’s senior trader, Alex Rella, confirmed this trend, noting that Crawford had garnered more than double the action compared to Alvarez.
With high-profile matchups like this one, it’s typical for the betting landscape to evolve rapidly, especially in the final 24 hours leading to the fight. Once close to the event, more significant bets may shift the odds back towards Alvarez, as is often the case when bettors gather at the last minute. Rella shared his expectation that Alvarez’s odds could see a resurgence as fight night approaches.
Impact on Boxing Betting Activity
Despite general declines in boxing betting activity, exceptional events like this super fight can invigorate interest from both sportsbooks and fans alike. Officials from ESPN BET, including VP Adam Landeka, believe that this match could rival and potentially surpass even the unique handles of upcoming exhibition matches, such as the one featuring Jake Paul and Mike Tyson in 2024.
The bout benefits from being the highlight of a packed day of sports, particularly with a college football lineup preceding it, and it promises engagement enhancements due to its non-pay-per-view accessibility. Landeka expressed optimism, stating that
“Saturday could witness significant betting activity, framing this fight as potentially one of the most lucrative boxing events of the year.”
