Heavyweight titleholder Deontay Wilder – 34-0, 33 KOs – has long been criticized for taking easy fights. His second title defense is no exception. The undefeated champion will face France's Johann Duhaupas – 32-2, 20 KOs – in a bout that few are getting excited about. As expected, oddsmakers have set Wilder as a massive favorite.
CURRENT ODDS
Our online boxing odds expect to have Wilder as at least a -2000 favorite, with his money line as expensive as -2500 in other sportsbooks. Duhaupas is around +1000 in most sportsbooks thus far. The total in this fight is likely to be set around 10.5 rounds, with the under being the more expensive bet. Don’t forget to check in on fight night for the latest prop bets, such as what round the fight will end in.
DOES DUHAUPAS STAND A CHANCE?
There are some that argue that Duhaupas is a more skilled fighter than his No. 12 WBC ranking would imply. He is definitely held back by his lack of power, but I’m inclined to agree that the lines are a bit skewed. His sole losses have come against Erkan Teper and Francesco Pianeta, but they were close fights against very good boxers.
It seems like the most of this matchup revolves around the size of the two big men. Wilder is generally one of the largest heavyweights around at 6’7”, 229 pounds while Duhaupas nearly stands eye-to-eye with him at 6’5” 242 pounds.
“I know my opponent has great size, and that’s what we’re looking for in opponents,” said Wilder. “He has a great record, and he’s never been knocked out – until he faces me. I know Duhaupas is tough and he comes to fight, and that’s exactly what we need.
A 2008 Olympic bronze medalist, Wilder took the title from Bermaine Stiverne with a January 17 victory in Las Vegas. He then returned home to Birmingham for his first title defense against a relatively unknown Eric Molina, knocking him out in the ninth round.
He should have a big hometown crowd in his favor again as he’ll once again be fighting in Birmingham. “Fighting at home last time exceeded my expectations, and coming back again is a blessing upon my life,” Wilder stated. “I’m looking forward to bringing more boxing to Alabama and introducing the entire state to this great sport.”
FIGHT ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
There’s a reason that Wilder is so highly favored in this bout - it’s because he’s that much better. Although I do think that Duhaupas will make this a much more competitive fight than the oddsmakers are predicting, the Frenchman simply doesn’t have the speed and power to pull of an upset. If you can get a plus payout on the over, that’s where I’d put my money as the challenger does have the skills necessary to make it to the final bell.
HOW TO BET
Sign into BookMaker Sportsbook and get all the latest Deontay Wilder vs. Johann Duhaupas boxing odds, money lines, totals and prop bets. The fight takes place on Monday, September 26, 2015 at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. The bout headlines a Premier Boxing Champions Card on NBC starting 8:30 p.m. ET. Don’t miss out on the opportunity cash in on a legend’s final fight!
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.
