The Ring Magazine’s No. 2 cruiserweight, Denis Lebedov - 27-2, 20 KOs - will defend his WBA title against unheralded-but-undefeated Lateef Kayode - 21-0, 1 NC, 16 KOs - next Wednesday in Lebedov’s native Russia. The fight takes place on a card headlined by heavyweight contender Alexander Povetkin, but Lebedev is looking to steal the spotlight.
CURRENT ODDS
Check our online boxing odds for the latest money lines on each fighter, and expect Lebedev to be a heavy favorite. Not many know who Lateef Kayode is, and the odds are going to reflect that. In this 12-round bout, I’d expect the total to be set around 10.5 rounds. Prop bets are usually released on fight night, with live betting available after the bout begins.
SECOND TIME’S THE CHARM
Lateef Kayode will return to cruiserweight for the second time after another failed stint at heavyweight. In 2014, his bid for the interim WBA world heavyweight title against Luis Ortiz was deemed a No Contest after he failed a post-fight drug test. Still, he was knocked out in the first round in a humiliating fight. Since then, he’s only fought once, beating Nick Kisner this past May in a unanimous decision.
While Kayode isn’t well-known to casual boxing fans, he does have a decent list of accomplishments. He’s held a few minor titles, like the NABF and WBO-NABO cruiserweight championships, and battled Antonio Tarver to a no decision in 2012. Beating Lebedev would be by far his biggest accomplishment.
“Look, Lateef is still undefeated, 21-0, 16 knockouts,” said promoter Greg Cohen. “This is his chance. He’s going to fight for the cruiserweight title. For many years people have known him as a cruiserweight. This is his opportunity to go out and knock Lebedev out and bring a belt back to the United States.”
Lebedev has won his last two bouts since being knocked out by Guillermo Jones in May 2013. In 2014, he knocked out Pawel Kolodziej and outpointed Youri Kayembre Kalenga this past April. He’s been pining for a rematch with Jones, but the fight isn’t looking likely until January at the earliest.
FIGHT ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
I wish I could tell that Kayode is a decent underdog play, but he’s sorely outmatched against Lebedev. While the American can’t quite be considered stay-busy fight for the champ, it shouldn’t be all that close either. Lebedev will also have the benefit of fighting in his native country, where he’s only lost once. This is an easy pick: stick with Lebedev to win.
A better value could be the over, as Kayode has never been knocked out. At 32, he’s four years younger than Lebedev and should be able to absorb some damage without going down for the count.
HOW TO BET
Sign into BookMaker Sportsbook and get all the latest Denis Lebedev vs. Lateef Kayode odds, including moneylines, totals and prop bets. The title bout takes place on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at the Basket-Hall Arena in Kazan, Russia. Check online for live streaming updates, as stateside coverage is unlikely.
Make sure to check in during fight night and get the latest live betting updates. 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.
