This Friday night in Arizona, the WBO World Super Featherweight belt will go on the line as Mexico’s Emanuel Navarrete fights Australia’s Liam Wilson. With Navarrete the heavy favourite and Wilson making the trip to Desert Diamond Arena as his first fight outside of Australia, the visiting Aussie has a tough task on his hands here. Can he pull off a David vs. Goliath upset?
We break down all the best bets to make on this fight ahead of the first bell this weekend with odds from bookmaker William Hill.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 2nd, 8:15 P.M. (GMT)
Looking at the outright odds for this match, it’s clear that Navarrete is the enormous favourite to win here. The Mexican has built an excellent professional career so far, working his way up the ranks of the Mexican domestic circuit before getting his big break to fight at Madison Square Garden against Isaac Dogboe in 2018. Since then, most of his bouts have been fought in the United States. With a record of 36-1-0 at only 28 years old, the only thing missing from Navarrete’s arsenal is a title belt, which he aims to collect on Friday.
For Australia’s Liam Wilson, this is by far the biggest fight of his career to date. At only 26 years of age, Wilson has fought 12 professional fights, winning 11 of them with seven knockouts. To his merit, his one loss was avenged through a rematch against Joe Noynay in 2022. That was two fights ago and with a win here, Wilson would be able to truly put that loss in the rear view mirror.
Really, this is Navarrete’s fight to lose. He’s the bookies’ favourite, but not only that, he is also vastly more experienced than his opponent. Of these 37 fights, 30 have ended in Navarrete knocking out his opponent. With Wilson fighting in only his 13th professional match, it’s hard to not see that being the outcome here. Take a bet here at 1.36 for Navarette to win by knockout.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 2nd, 8:15 P.M. (GMT)
More specifically, we think this one will be over quickly. It may be a title fight, but the impact of this being Wilson’s first big fight can’t be underestimated. Navarrete has fought in Madison Square Garden, T-Mobile Arena and MGM Grand, while Wilson has never had a professional fight abroad.
Expect Wilson to be somewhat overawed by the occasion, while Navarrete will go about his business in a professional, calm manner. It’s been a decade since Navarrete lost, and in his last fight, the Mexican was up against a tough challenge in Edwardo Baez, yet took care of him within six rounds. For the best odds, back this fight to end under 6.5 rounds for a return of 2.00.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 2nd, 8:15 P.M. (GMT)
