Boxing

Odds Makers And Bettors Differ On Martin vs Ali Aug 23 Bout

08.08 - Press Release - Las Vegas oddsmakers and bettors have different takes on who will win between Christy Martin and Laila Ali in their championship pay-per-view fight in Biloxi, Miss. on Saturday, Aug. 23. One thing they do agree on, however, is that it is the biggest women's fight in history.

"Absolutely," says Art Manteris, Vice President of Race and Sports Operations for Station Casinos in Las Vegas. "It is the marquee fight featuring the biggest names in the history of women's boxing. You've got the two best women fighters who ever lived going at it."

Manteris made Ali the favorite, with odds running about 3 ½ - 1 in her favor.

Meanwhile over at Caesars Palace, Chuck Esposito, the longtime and respected oddsmaker there has Ali an overwhelming choice. "Caesars Palace has Ali as a 6 to 1 favorite, mainly due to the size difference," reports Esposito. "This will likely be the best women's fight ever, featuring the two most recognizable names in women's boxing. Ali has the size and Martin the experience."

"Clearly, in my mind, Ali is a significant and decisive favorite, mostly because she is younger, taller, stronger and bigger than Christy," says Manteris from his office at Palace Station. "But the early action so far is fairly one-sided for Martin and I expect that trend to continue and as more money comes in on Christy for the line to move more in her favor."

Manteris explains that Ali is the solid choice for several reasons, including her namesake, popularity and freshness on the women's boxing scene. "Let's face it, Laila has great genes to go along with her other physical advantages. Christy has kind of fallen out of the limelight recently and Ali is on the rise. Of course there were a few years when Christy was simply unbeatable and I have to admit that a couple times in the past I've written Christy Martin off and she's come back to surprise me."

Esposito concurs that despite entering the fight as a heavy favorite, Ali and the oddsmakers could be proved wrong in the end. "This will be Ali's greatest test to date as she faces the most accomplished and popular women's boxer ever," says Esposito. "This will be her most serious competition."

The IBA Super Middleweight world title fight, scheduled for 10 rounds at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum can be seen on pay-per-view for the suggested retail price of $29.95 and begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, Saturday, Aug. 23. Call your local cable or satellite provider to order. Live tickets are available through the event site promoter, Prize Fight Boxing.

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