Bookies give Usyk an implied 94% chance of winning, but punters are backing Bellew.
Tony Bellew has opened as a sizable underdog at the bookmakers, following reports that a fight is edging closer.
The 35-year-old has been installed as a 6/1 outsider by bookies, with Usyk being fancied at as short as 1/14.
That implies a 94% probability of Usyk winning what would be a massive cruiserweight showdown.
However, punters are putting their hard earned cash on Bellew, with 68% of all bets on the fight backing the Liverpudlian to come out victorious.
Bellew is reportedly keen for a fight with the current WBC, WBA Super, WBO and IBF champion.
November 10th is reportedly the date for the clash, at the O2 Arena in London, Usyk’s promoter has also backed the fight happening.
Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek said: “With the performances of late from Usyk, it’s no surprise that the Ukrainian has opened as a hefty favourite to topple Tony Bellew.
“Bookies are indicating that this should be a one-sided contest, although punters across the country have been happy to back Bellew at a pretty large underdog price.”
Mathie shrugs off injury to take title chance
Rising star Avril Mathie is enthusiastically preparing for her maiden professional title shot having overcome a recent injury sustained in a motorbike accident.
After kicking off her career in the paid ranks with two stoppage wins, Mathie takes on Samantha Salazar for the vacant American Boxing Federation Continental Americas female bantamweight crown in St Petersburg, Florida on October 6.
It’s a rapid turnaround for the Miami-based boxer, who was hit by a motorbike in early August.
Mathie said: “Getting hit by a motorbike a few weeks ago was very frustrating. It happened on the day I was planning on starting my training camp so it put a bit of a spanner in the works!
“I immediately tried to look at the positives – I didn’t actually break my leg. It was just a bit of a dent and a hardcore bruise so I made a speedy recovery.
“In the meantime, I worked with what I had and did as much training as I could given the circumstances. I was ready to go a couple of weeks later and in the long run, the injury won’t have much of an effect so I’m thankful for that.
“I’m really excited to be fighting in the States for the first time as a professional. I fought half my amateur career here so I know what it’s about.
“I love to put on a show and I really love and appreciate the way the Americans get into boxing. They turn out to events and really get behind fighters.”
Steve Wood and Marc Leach talk to VIP TV
VIP Promotions kick off the new boxing season this Saturday, September 15, at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse. Headlining the card will be Salford’s Marc Leach taking on Leicestershire’s Louis Norman in an English Bantamweight Title eliminator, live on vipboxing.tv.
Ahead of the show, VIP TV caught up with promoter Steve Wood, who gives an overview of the card and a rundown of the fighters appearing
In this ‘Getting to know your VIP fighter’ video, Marc Leach answers quick-fire questions including – his favourite all-time fighter, the best fight he’s seen, and his toughest opponent
