Rob Brant will be making the first defense of his World Boxing Association world middleweight title when he faces challenger Khasan Baysangurov on February 15 in Hinckley, Minnesota, which is the native state for Brant. In fact, Brant as fought in the state of Minnesota a total of 11 previous times. The Brant vs. Baysangurov bout will headline a Top Rank Boxing on ESPN tripleheader. The newly crowned Brant will be facing a relative unknown in Baysangurov, who is just starting out in his professional career at the age of 21.
Let’s take a look at the boxing odds at BookMaker.eu, break down the matchup and go over your betting options.
Boxing Betting at BookMaker.eu
Rob Brant - Check Back Later
Khasan Baysangurov - Check Back Later
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The bout between Rob Brant (24-1, 16 knockouts) and Khasan Baysangurov (17-0, 7 knockouts) will be for Brant’s World Boxing Association World Middleweight title. This fight will be held at the Grand Casino in Hinckley, Minnesota and is scheduled for 12 rounds with coverage on ESPN and ESPN Deportes on February 15, 2019.
Rob Brant vs. Khasan Baysangurov Fight Preview
Rob Brant is 28 years old and a native of Saint Paul, Minnesota. He is coming off the biggest win of his career as he defeated Ryota Murata in a surprisingly lopsided decision at Las Vegas. Immediately after the win Brant and his promoter Greg Cohen signed a deal with Top Rank.
“Becoming a world champion was a dream come true,” said Brant. “It’s extra special that my first title defense will be in my home state of Minnesota in front of my fans. I fully understand the task in front of me, as it is harder to keep a title than it is to win one. My opponent is very talented and certainly deserving of his world ranking.
“I know that Khasan has weaknesses, and I feel we can exploit them. I am already working hard in a full training camp in Las Vegas in order to be prepared for top-level competition. I am confident and ready.”
The 21-year-old Khasan Baysangurov is a native of Russia and now resides in Ukraine. This will be the first time that Baysangurov has ever fought in the United States.
“I am very proud and happy to receive this great opportunity to showcase my skills,” said Baysangurov. “I won’t disappoint my team and will give everything it takes to become the new champion. Of course, Rob Brant is a good boxer and a great champion, but now is my time to shine.”
Brant’s co-promoter Greg Cohen is quite excited about the upcoming fight and the new relationship opportunity with Top Rank.
“This is going to be a special night for Rob,” said Cohen. “He’s returning home as a world champion and there is no place he’d rather make the first title defense of his WBA middleweight title than Minnesota. I am looking forward to Rob putting on another virtuoso performance on ESPN.”
Brant turned pro in 2012 after a standout career as an amateur that included a bronze medal at the 2012 US National Championships in the 178-pound division. Soon after than Brant moved to the middleweight division and became quite the drawing card in the state of Minnesota. In 2017 he moved up to the super middleweight class in order to compete in the World Boxing Super Series tournament. While in the World Boxing Super Series, Brant suffered the only loss of his career in a unanimous decision to Jurgen Brahmer in the quarterfinal round of the tournament. But he recovered upon his return to the middleweight division with his championship.
Boxing Betting Tips
Rob Brant is going to be a handful in this one. Khasan Baysangurov has not proven himself at the same level as Brant.
Boxing Odds Pick: Rob Brant
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With the boxing odds at BookMaker Sportsbook, you can bet on boxing all year, from smaller cards to pay-per-view events. Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook. Rob Brant vs. Khasan Baysangurov takes place on February 15, 2019 at Grand Casino, Hinckley, Minnesota. The fight can be seen on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.
