This Friday, Showtime Boxing is putting on a solid card featuring WBC featherweight champion Gary Russell Jr. in his first title defense and former WBC heavyweight champion Bermaine Stiverne in his first bout since losing his belt to Deontay Wilder. Let’s jump into a quick preview of the card, along with our odds in the sportsbook for you to bet on.
Please note, the odds listed here may have shifted as BookMaker updates their lines on a daily basis.
Boxing odds at BookMaker.eu
MAIN EVENT, featherweight championship
Gary Russell Jr. -900
Oscar Escandon +500
Fresh off of demolishing two-division titleholder Jhonny Gonzalez to win the featherweight belt, Gary Russell Jr. will face Colombia’s Oscar Escandon in his first title defense. Escandon is a familiar face at junior featherweight, where’s he made multiple challenges for belts. However, he’s just 2-2 in his past four, and one of those wins - a split decision over Tyson Cave - is considered one of the worst decisions of the year.
While Escandon is a rugged fighter, it’s unlikely he can keep up with the speed and technique that Russell displayed in his career-defining win to claim the strap. It appears as Russell’s management wanted an extremely beatable opponent to kick off his title reign. There’s a good chance he overwhelms Escandon here.
Quick pick: Russell to win via TKO in the 6th
CO-FEATURE, heavyweights
Bermaine Stiverne - 3300
Derric Rossy +1000
You’ve got to give Stiverne some props for facing Deontay Wilder, who’s one of the best heavyweights in the world. However, Stiverne was outclassed over 12 rounds and lost his belt as a result. At 36 years old, his time as a legitimate heavyweight contender might be nearing an end. However, he can easily regain some of his mojo against a journeyman like Derric Rossy, who’s just 2-4 in his past six fights.
Rossy is an experienced veteran, yet lacks natural physical talents and doesn’t have too great a chin. Because Stiverne is generally a slow started, Rossy could conceivably even steal a few rounds. However, once the former champ gets going, his power could easily end the night early. This is a tune-up fight for Stiverne, and the odds are reflective of that.
Quick pick: Stiverne to win by KO in the 8th
HOW TO BET
Make sure to check in during fight night and get the latest live betting updates at Bookmaker Sportsbook. You can bet on real-time odds during the bout, allowing you to hedge your bets or even make new ones as you watch on live television. And with multiple reliable payout options, collecting your earnings is always quick and easy. The Russell-Escandon card takes place on Friday, November 14, 2015 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Showtime will televise the card live starting 10 p.m. ET.
