The next few months look like being a fascinating period for heavyweight boxing. There are some cracking fights due to take place and perhaps even a long awaited title fight. Let’s look at these fights and the latest betting odds.
September 24 – Joe Joyce v Joseph Parker
Joe Joyce is the top contender for the WBO world heavyweight title. He’s unbeaten in 14 professional fights and now takes on former WBO champion Joseph Parker. This fight at the Manchester Arena is for the interim WBO title.
The 36-year-old British boxer is 8/15 at Coral to beat Parker. His last four wins have all come inside the distance and that includes beating the now regular WBA champion Daniel Dubois. You can get 9/4 at BetVictor on him winning by KO, TKO or DQ.
Joyce is a clever boxer but his defensive skills aren’t so good. He regularly gets hit when perhaps a better fighter would have avoided the shots. He’ll be glad that Joseph Parker is not an explosive puncher.
The former WBO champion has won his last six fights, the last two both being against Dereck Chisora. Only two have been won inside the distance and his last loss was to Dillian Whyte four years ago. He’s never been stopped but just seems to lack that magic that’d make him a champion again. You can get 6/4 at Paddy Power on him beating Joyce but the best bet is the 6/4 at William Hill on a points win for the British boxer. A return fight with Dubois next perhaps?
Deontay Wilder v Robert Helenius (October 15)
It’s three years since Deontay Wilder last won a fight. That was against Luis Ortiz (recently beaten by Andy Ruiz Jr) and since then he’s lost twice to Tyson Fury.
That’s no disgrace and next month sees him return to the ring. He takes on Robert Helenius who has a 31-3 record. He’s not lost in three fights since being beaten by Gerald Washington in 2019. One of his other losses was to Dillian Whyte five years ago. Wilder still has a great punch and he should win this. He’s 1/7 at William Hill but when the odds are available, go for Wilder to win inside the distance.
Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua?
It’s looking likely that Tyson Fury might defend his WBC title against Anthony Joshua on December 3. All of which just goes to show it’s not that easy to believe anything Fury says. Isn’t he supposed to be retired?
Instead, he’s back and recently spoke about having a few more fights to sort out. Once that’s done he can start making a fool of himself (not difficult with his dress sense) in WWE. A bit less singing would be appreciated though.
If this fight does go ahead, it’s a massive gamble for Joshua. He’s lost his last two fights and three of the last five. The money is good though and a win would give him a world title, even if he has just lost twice to the man with the other main belts.
Joshua always has a chance of success due to his big punch. He’s 5/2 at Betfred to beat Fury if they do meet in December. We all know he can be outboxed though and Fury is likely to do that. He’s 1/3 at SkyBet to defeat Joshua and that looks the bet to place.
