Maurice Hooker is coming off the biggest and most important fight of his career in which he won the World Boxing Organization World Super Lightweight title and will now put that championship on the line against mandatory challenger Alex Saucedo. It is interesting that this title bout will take place in the challenger’s home of Oklahoma City at the Chesapeake Energy Center, home of the National Basketball Association’s Oklahoma City Thunder. Top Rank Boxing worked in conjunction with ESPN to get Saucedo in a prime-time slot after his bloody battle and victory against Lenny Zappavigna. As such Saucedo as seen as a bona fide threat to take Hooker’s WBO Super Lightweight title belt.
Let’s take a look at the boxing odds at BookMaker.eu, break down the matchup and go over your betting options.
Boxing Odds at BookMaker.eu
Maurice Hooker – Check Back Later
Alex Saucedo – Check Back Later
Over/under rounds - Check Back Later
The bout between Maurice Hooker (24-0-3, 16 knockouts) and Alex Saucedo (28-0-0, 18 knockouts) will take place on November 16, 2018 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. At stake is Hooker’s World Boxing Organization World Super Lightweight title. This fight is scheduled for 12 rounds and can be seen on ESPN.
Fight Preview
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum has not been shy about touting Saucedo and his ability. “Alex Saucedo is a tremendous world class fighter,” said Arum. “Maurice Hooker is a worthy champion but Alex will have the home crowd on his side in what promises to be an incredible atmosphere. Oklahoma City loves Alex, and the arena is going to be packed to the rafters to watch him make history. This fight will attract thousands to the Chesapeake Energy Arena.”
Hooker is coming off a split decision win over Terry Flanagan in Flanagan’s own backyard of the Manchester Arena in Manchester. Hooker scored a 12 round split decision win on June 9, 2018 to win the World Boxing Organization World Super Lightweight title. With the win Hooker proved he can fight and win for the highest of stakes against the home town favorite, which is the environment that he will be facing against Saucedo. Hooker is voicing his confidence for the fight against Saucedo.
“I’m turning his dream into a nightmare,” said Hooker. “He will find out why I am a world champion. I don’t care where I fight, the ring is my home town. I’m gonna punch him in the mouth, Mexican style.”
Top Rank put a purse bid in for $1.625 million to win the promotion of the fight. Hooker will take 75% of the winning offer which should be around $1.2 million while Saucedo will earn a career high of around $406,000.
Saucedo is obviously excited to fight for the world championship in front of his home town fans of Oklahoma City.
“I’m very excited for this huge opportunity at home,” said Saucedo. “It doesn’t get any better than fighting for the title in front of the home crowd. It’s a blessing. I want that title around my waist and to represent Oklahoma City with pride.”
Hooker’s win over Flanagan was considered to be a mild upset but it does give him the confidence that he can win a title in a hostile environment.
“I’m very excited to defend my world title on a national platform and show the world what I bring to the ring,” said Hooker. “I feel like this is my time. I’m hungry, I’ve been working hard and I’m ready to make Alex Saucedo my next victim.”
Boxing Betting Tips
Alex Saucedo caught the imagination of the boxing world in his brutal bout against Lenny Zappavigna. Saucedo was able to overcome getting badly hurt early in the fight to end up victorious. However, Hooker has proven to be able to win in this situation.
Boxing Odds Pick: Maurice Hooker
Bet on Boxing Odds at BookMaker.eu Now
With the boxing odds atBookMaker Sportsbook, you can bet on boxing all year, from smaller cards to pay-per-view events. Access live betting lines from yourmobile deviceat BookMaker Sportsbook. Maurice Hooker vs. Alex Saucedo takes place on November 16, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The fight can be seen on ESPN.
