Boxing Betting Guide (2024) | How to Bet on Boxing, and Win! 🥊

Want to bet on boxing but don’t know where to start? You are on the right page.

Boxing betting is one of the oldest ways to make money on the sport without getting in the ring. With the right strategy and knowledge, you can turn your passion for boxing into a profitable hobby.

Whether you are new to boxing or you are a seasoned fan, you will find this guide useful. On this page, we will cover everything you need to know about boxing betting, including how to place a boxing bet, and common types of boxing bets available.

🔑 Key Takeaways

Learn the basics of boxing betting.
Learn how to place boxing bets in the US.
Discover the best strategies to maximize boxing bets.

Is It Illegal to Bet on Boxing in the US?

No, it is not illegal to bet on boxing in the US, as long as you are placing real-money wagers in a jurisdiction that legalizes and regulates sports betting. Boxing has been a popular offering in US legal retail and online sportsbooks ever since the US Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, and individual states started allowing sports betting within their borders.

In states where online sports betting is legal, you will be able to access a variety of boxing markets through mobile or online sportsbooks. These jurisdictions include:

Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Vermont
Virginia
Washington, DC
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Keep in mind that the availability of boxing markets also largely depends on the sportsbooks and the specific laws of the gaming states.

While some bookies offer comprehensive coverage like undercard bouts and international events, others might provide only betting on major boxing events or title fights. Ensure you check with your preferred bookie before registering.

Is It Good to Bet on Boxing?

People have been betting on boxing ever since the early days of the sport. Betting on a fight can increase the thrill of watching your favorite fighter in action. However, like other sports, it can lead to disappointment and frustration if the outcome doesn’t favor you.

Let’s look at the other pros and cons of betting on boxing.

Boxing Betting Pros

Opportunity to win money

Whether you are wagering on the favorite or the underdog, there is always a chance to win big.

At the beginning of the matchup between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz at the MSG, I noticed some trends and wagered on Ruiz to win the fight. I believed he had a good chance of pulling off the upset, even though he was the underdog.

→ Ruiz won in the seventh round, and I also smiled to the bank with a substantial payout, which made the victory even sweeter.

Apart from the match outcome, you can also predict different aspects of the fight. For instance, you can bet on the round a fighter will win or the method of victory.

Boxing Betting Cons

Risk of losing money

Of course, there is the risk of losing your money when you place bets on sports in general, and boxing is not an exception. There will be times when your predictions are incorrect, and you will lose your wager. This is why it’s vital to only bet what you can afford to lose.

Unpredictability

Most combat sports are notorious for their unpredictable outcomes. Even the strongest favorites can fall victim to a sudden knockout or disputed decision. How many people expected Anthony Joshua to lose his heavyweight title to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019? Not many!

The unpredictability of boxing makes it very exciting but also challenging for bettors.

Boxing Rules: How Boxing Works

In professional boxing, two athletes fight each other with their fists in a squared ring. Equipped with protective gloves, they seek to land clean punches on their opponent’s head, chest, and body in a bid to knock them out or score more points.

A match is divided into a maximum of 12 three-minute rounds, with a one-minute rest period between rounds. Each boxer has their own corner in the ring where they can rest and receive care or advice from their coaches and team between rounds.

There is also usually a referee in the ring to ensure the fight is fair and safe and monitor the boxers’ behavior.

How to Win a Boxing Match

A boxer can win a match in several ways:

The most common method, and one that boxing fans and bettors usually look forward to, is by knockout. This happens when a boxer delivers a punch that leaves their opponent unable to get back up. Immediately, the referee will start a 10-second count. If the boxer fails to get back up or show they can continue, they will lose the fight.

Another way is via a technical knockout (TKO), where the referee stops the fight due to injury or the opponent’s inability to continue.

A boxer can also win a match by points. Judges score each round 10 or 9. The boxer who wins a round gets a 10, while the loser gets a 9. After 12 rounds, the boxer with the higher total score wins the fight “on points.” This means that even if no knockout occurs, the boxer who won the most rounds will be declared the winner.

Other uncommon ways a boxer can win is if his opponents ‘throw in the towel’ or get disqualified. Boxers can be disqualified if they disobey the rules, such as hitting below the belt, tripping, biting, kicking, or pushing their opponent.

Some restrictions in a boxing game include:

Boxers must wear gloves, mouthguards, and protective cups.
No punching an opponent who is down or defenseless.
No unsportsmanlike conduct, such as spitting or biting.
No hitting below the belt, back, or neck.

Boxing Weight Classes

To ensure fair competition and minimize the risk of injury in boxing, professional boxers are usually categorized into various weight classes:

Flyweight (up to 112 lbs)
Bantamweight (112-118 lbs)
Featherweight (118-126 lbs)
Lightweight (126-135 lbs)
Welterweight (135-147 lbs)
Middleweight (147-160 lbs)
Light Heavyweight (160-175 lbs)
Heavyweight (175+ lbs)

In addition to these, there are other weight classes, including:

Superclasses (Super Featherweight, Super Middleweight, etc.)
Cruiserweight: 200 pounds (ca. 91 kg)

These weight classes are recognized by major boxing organizations and are used to ensure that boxers compete against opponents of similar size and weight.

Weighing Process

For the weighing procedure, boxers visit a designated weigh-in location, strip down to their underwear or boxing shorts, and step onto the scale. They are weighed by an official and have their weight recorded and verified.

Boxers must weigh in 24 hours before a match to ensure they meet the weight requirements for their designated class. They are usually allowed a small margin (1-2 pounds) to account for weight fluctuations.

However, failure to make weight can result in weight class change, fine, or even match cancellation.

Boxing Title Belts

The prestige of a pro boxer is determined by the titles they hold. In professional boxing, title belts are awarded by four major sanctioning bodies:

The World Boxing Association (WBA): Founded in 1962, the WBA is the oldest sanctioning body, offering two titles: the Super Title for multi-title holders and the Regular Title, an entry-level championship.
World Boxing Council (WBC): Established in 1963, the WBC title is usually considered the pinnacle of boxing achievement, surpassed only by becoming a unified champion.
International Boxing Federation (IBF): Founded in 1977 as a US regional organization, it gained official recognition as a major international sanctioning body.
World Boxing Organization (WBO): Rates fights based on competition quality, frequency, and media coverage. Heavyweight champions must defend their title at least annually.

With each organization having its rankings, boxers can win multiple titles per weight class.

A boxer who holds three of the four major titles is called a unified champion, while an undisputed champion holds all four, like Oleksandr Usyk, who became the undisputed heavyweight champion by defeating Tyson Fury in May 2024.

How Can I Bet on Boxing?

My first boxing bet was on the Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight. Since then, I have wagered on several high-profile boxing matches. It is simple to bet on boxing when you get the hang of it. Here are the things you need to know to get started.

Step 1: Understand Boxing Odds

Like any other sport, odds in boxing represent the likelihood of a fighter winning. It also determines how much you can win if your bet wins.

Odds are displayed using three different formats:

Decimal odds: Displays as a single decimal number (e.g., 2.50, 3.00), which indicates the total return on a winning bet.
Fractional odds: Mainly popular in the UK, odds are displayed as fractions (e.g., 4/1, 3/2). The first number shows the amount you’ll win, and the second number represents the amount you need to bet.
American odds: Primarily used in the US, American odds can either be positive for underdogs (e.g., +250) or negative for favorites (-150). Positive odds show how much you will win if you bet $100, while negative odds show how much you need to bet to win $100.

Step 2: Choose a Boxing Betting Site

If you want to bet on boxing, the first step that you will need to take is to select a sports betting boxing site. Since boxing is a popular global sport, you will find numerous options available. However, not all of them may provide a safe and intuitive environment for wagering.

For a secure and enjoyable betting experience, it’s crucial to wager on a sportsbook that is licensed and regulated by a gambling authority. If you live in a legal betting state in the US, you will find several of these platforms available.

Other factors you must consider before signing up at a sportsbook to place boxing bets include:

Market variety: Ensure the sportsbook provides a range of boxing betting markets, including moneyline and prop bets.
Competitive Odds: Go for bookies that offer the best odds for boxing events.
Promotions and bonuses: The sportsbook should offer a generous welcome bonus and other promotions like free bets, boosted odds, and a loyalty program.

Notable considerations also include:

A user-friendly user interface.
Reliable customer support.
A variety of payment options.

Step 3: Place Your Bets

Now that you have selected and signed up for a sportsbook, the next step is to deposit funds into your betting account. You can do this through any of the payment methods on the site. Ensure your deposit amount meets the signup bonus requirements.

Thereafter, find the boxing section on the site, choose an event, and pick the type of bet. You may simply select the boxer to win or another outcome. Enter your stake and submit your bet.

Most Popular Types of Boxing Bets

Thanks to the increasing legalization of sports betting in the US and the growing popularity of boxing, the betting options you can wager on in the sport have become more extensive and exciting. From traditional win/loss markets to modern prop wagers, here are the different types of bets you can place on boxing.

Moneyline

Moneyline betting is the simplest and most straightforward boxing bet, as it involves wagering on which fighter will win an upcoming boxing match. You simply pick the winner, and the odds determine the payouts.

Example: In an upcoming match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, the moneyline odds are listed as:

Jake Paul -170
Mike Tyson +130

Here, Paul is the favorite, and Tyson is the underdog. You need to risk $207 to win $100 on Paul, while a $100 bet on Tyson would win you $205 if he pulls off the upset.

A full boxing card offers a diverse range of moneyline wagering opportunities. These include a mix of highly favored fighters with significant odds gaps and more competitive bouts with nearly even odds.

Round Betting

What is round betting in boxing? This betting type involves wagering on the exact round in which a boxing match will end. Here, you can predict not only the winner but also the round in which the fight will end, which could be by knockout, TKO, or decision.

There are several types of round boxing bets you can wager on, such as:

Exact Round: You wager on the precise round the fight will end (e.g., Round 4). This bet features the highest odds in this category.
Group Rounds: You back the fighter to win on a range of rounds, usually three. (e.g., rounds 1-3, rounds 4-6, or rounds 10-12)
Over/Under Rounds: This bet allows you to predict whether the match will last longer or shorter than a certain number of rounds.
- Example: If you wager on over 6.5 rounds, it means you think the fight will last up to seven rounds. If the boxers are still in the match after one minute and thirty seconds in the seventh round, the bet pays out.

Successful betting on the rounds of a boxing game requires you to have knowledge about each fighter’s styles and strengths, as well as their past performances and knockout rates.

Example: If you are betting on a fight between a boxer with a high knockout rate (e.g., Deontay Wilder) and one with a durable chin and strong defensive skills (e.g., Tyson Fury), you might wager on the fight going into later rounds or even reaching full distance.

This is what played out when Fury and Wilder met for the third time on October 9, 2021. Fury won the fight via a knockout in the eleventh round.

Winning Method

Betting on the winning method requires you to predict how the winner will achieve victory over the opponent in a boxing match. As stated earlier, this can be through knockout (KO), technical knockout (TKO), or decision.

You can also wager on if a fighter will be disqualified or if the fight will end in a draw or technical draw. The boxing match ends in a draw if the fighters both score the same number of points. It is a technical draw if the fight is stopped early due to an injury and not enough rounds have passed to determine a winner.

While winning method bets may be challenging to predict, they offer higher payouts than several other outcomes. It’s a great option if there is a heavy favorite to win a boxing match.

Example: If a dominant boxer like Canelo Alvarez is facing a fresh underdog, the moneyline odds might be too skewed to offer value. In this case, wagering on the winning method can provide a more attractive option.

Going the Distance

“Going the distance” in boxing betting means a fight the full number of rounds without a knockout, resulting in a decision by judges.

This wager is also known as “over” in over/under bets, as it allows you to predict the number of rounds a boxing match will last:

If you think the fight will last all scheduled rounds, you bet “over”.
If you think it will end earlier, you select “under”.

The market could also be displayed like this:

Will Joshua vs. Usyk Go the Distance?

Yes +120
No -150

The fight in 2021 actually lasted all 12 rounds, with Usyk winning by a split decision.

Boxing Prop Wagers

Prop bets offer other exciting ways to wager on boxing. Sportsbook operators now allow you to bet on various outcomes within a fight, such as:

Decision props: Will the fight be decided by unanimous decision, split, or majority
Punch count: The total number of punches landed by a boxer
Knockdown: Will a fighter be knockdown or not
1st Minute Finish: Will the fight end within the first minute?
Points props: Will a fighter win by a certain number of points on the scorecards?

While most legal US sportsbook operators offer similar props markets, you may find variations in the specific options available. Some might use a different name or label for the same market.

Boxing Parlays

A parlay bet is a type of sports wager that combines two or more individual bets into a single bet. It is great to know that this bet is also available in boxing betting. You can group two or more fights, outcomes, or props to create a single bet with an increased payout.

A parlay bet based on a series of real boxing matches on June 1, 2024, could look like this:

Fight 1: Daniel Dubois – Filip Hrgovic fight to go over 6.5 rounds
Fight 2: Hamzah Sheeraz to beat Austin Williams by KO or TKO
Fight 3: Zhilei Zhang to beat Deontay Wilder by KO or TKO

This is just an example, as you can combine a wide range of outcomes into a parlay bet. However, keep in mind that while a parlay bet increases your potential payout, it also shoots up the risk.

Live Boxing Betting

Live boxing betting or in-play betting allows you to bet on a fight in real-time or while it’s happening. Unlike pre-match betting, which allows you to bet before the match starts, you can wager on the fight after it has already begun.

I particularly enjoy placing live bets during a boxing match because it allows me to gauge the shifting momentum and adjust my bets as the fight unfolds.

For instance, if a dominant favorite is surprisingly faltering in the early rounds, one can seize the opportunity to place a live bet on the underdog at more favorable odds.

Since odds fluctuate, you need to stay alert, think on your feet, and be able to quickly take advantage of emerging opportunities in the match.

Major Boxing Events to Bet On

From flyweights to the heavyweight division, the sweet science offers a wide range of bouts to bet on all year long. Here are some big boxing events to add to your betting calendar.

Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson (Heavyweight)

YouTuber-turned-professional boxer Jake Paul and former undisputed heavyweight world champion Mike Tyson are set to engage in an exhibition boxing match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on November 15, 2024.

The highly anticipated fight will be broadcast exclusively on Netflix. However, it won’t feature a separate PPV purchase.

Paul, 27, is considered the favorite due to his youth, dedication to training, and the support of his team.
Tyson, at 57, is ranked as a slight underdog due to his advanced age and relatively quiet recent years.

However, the icon is expected to bring a wealth of experience to the ring, having been a former heavyweight champion and one of the best in boxing history. The fight will feature eight two-minute rounds with 14-ounce gloves, slightly larger than the standard size.

Who will you be cheering for? The vibrant youth or the legend? Put your money where your mouth is!

Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano 2

Two years after their historic bout at Madison Square Garden, Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano will face off in a rematch on the undercard of Jake Paul’s fight against Mike Tyson. The pair will meet on November 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

With Taylor’s undisputed super lightweight championship on the line, the matchup promises to be exciting and is expected to be one of the biggest fights in women’s boxing history. The fight will be available to stream globally on Netflix.

After losing the first meeting by a split decision, Serrano is looking for revenge and hoping to snatch the undisputed super lightweight championship from Taylor. She is determined to win, especially by knockout, and she states she won’t leave the outcome to the judges this time.

Will Serrano have her pound of flesh, or will the bout go the way of the first one? You have to be there.

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury 2

If you are familiar with Tyson Fury, you will know his matchups are always sensational and worth looking forward to. If you missed watching or betting on Fury’s last bout with Oleksandr Usyk, you are in luck because there is another big fight coming up.

Fury and Usyk will meet for the second time in 2024 on December 21. Tagged “Reignited,” the bout will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Fury, who lost his WBC title to Usyk on May 18 by a split decision, will be looking to reclaim his belt and avenge his loss in their first meeting. Notably, it was also the first time Fury, 35, had been defeated in his 16-year professional career.
Ursyk, 37, has won all 22 of his professional fights. He became the first undisputed champion in 24 years when he added Fury’s WBC belt to his WBA, WBO, and IBF collections.

Anthony Joshua Fights

Joshua’s bouts are often high-profile events that attract a lot of attention and betting action. The pro boxer held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles from 2015 to 16. He was also the WBA ‘super’ IBF and WBO belt holder between 2016-2019. His famous 2-round KO win against Francis Ngannou in March 2024 is still fresh on everyone’s minds.

On September 21, Joshua will face off against Daniel Dubois at the Wembley Stadium for the IBF heavyweight title. Fans and bettors are eagerly waiting to see if Joshua can win his last match of the year and regain the world title he formerly held.

If he succeeds, there is a possibility that there will be an undisputed title fight against Tyson Fury in 2025, which will be one of the biggest fights in boxing history.

Boxing Betting Strategies I Live By

The best betting strategy in any sport helps you maximize your winnings and minimize your losses. If you want to have a rewarding boxing betting experience, consider the following tips.

Research is Crucial

Boxing requires you to carry out in-depth research on the upcoming match and its participants before placing bets. Stay updated with the latest commentary and analysis surrounding the event. Consider each fighter’s current form, preparation, history, and past performances.

Keep an Eye Out for Edges

Just because a boxer is listed as a heavy favorite does not mean they have a 100% chance of success. Upsets can and do happen in boxing, and if you can spot an opportunity quickly, you can capitalize on it.

For instance, let’s say a fighter has a poor record against southpaws and is facing a skilled southpaw opponent. However, because of the fighter’s overall win record, the bookmakers consider him the favorite. This could be a prime opportunity to put your money on the underdog.

Each fighter has unique strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies. Exploit these specific angles to the best bookmakers.

Avoid Placing Emotional Bets

Emotions and betting are two things that should not mix. While it’s natural to want to support your favorite fighter, emotional betting can lead to costly mistakes. To protect your money and maximize success, let your decisions be based on research and identified edges.

Manage Your Bankroll

Set a budget for your boxing betting activity to avoid spending more than what you can afford. Effective bankroll management requires discipline. Stick to your budget and avoid chasing your losses.

Find Best Boxing Picks

Online sportsbooks often differ in their odds. For instance, you might find Ngannou listed as a +250 underdog against Wilder at one book, +280 at another, and +300 at a third.

If you believe Ngannou would win, getting the +300 odds would yield the highest payout. This is why it’s important to explore boxing picks at multiple legit online sportsbooks before settling with one.

Signing up at different sportsbook sites can also open you to various boxing betting bonuses and promotions, which can increase your initial bankroll.

Joining a Boxing Betting Forum

Irrespective of when you started betting on boxing, there are other people who have been in your shoes and have gained valuable experience, which can prove very beneficial to your betting journey.

Joining a boxing betting forum allows you to tap into this collective knowledge. You will be able to:

Network
Learn
Strengthen your betting skills
Get insights into upcoming matches

I can attest to the benefits of joining a boxing betting community, having been an active member for several years. Apart from all the perks mentioned earlier, I also had access to exclusive picks and predictions. A good 50% of my knowledge of boxing betting and the sport was gained through discussions and debates with fellow boxing enthusiasts.

So, Are You Ready for Some Boxing Betting Tonight?

Boxing betting offers a unique way to follow and make money from the sport. With various betting markets available, every punch and every hook becomes a potential payday.

As long as you live in a legal betting state in the US, you will find several legal sports betting apps offering bets on boxing events. Sign up today and start betting on the biggest fights. Remember to follow our proven betting tips and bet responsibly.

Curious about how to apply similar strategies to other sports like football and rugby? Head to our ultimate sports betting 101 guide now.