Big show boxing hits Tokyo this Tuesday evening as home favourite Naoya Inoue takes on England’s Stephen Fulton for his WBC and WBO Super-Bantamweight belts. With both boxers undefeated, and Inoue stepping up a weight class from what he’s used to, this should be an excellent, tight fight.
For Fulton, despite Inoue fighting at super-bantamweight for the first time, it will be the biggest challenge of his career. The Englishman is undefeated and has fought out some admirable victories in recent years, but Inoue will still be the highest-caliber boxer he’s shared the ring with. For Inoue, it’s a question of whether or not his power can transfer in the bigger leagues.
We break down all the latest odds from bookmaker William Hill and outline the best bets to make on this title fight in Japan on Tuesday.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 24th, 8:30 P.M. (GMT)
Looking at the outright betting odds from bookmaker William Hill, Naoya Inoue is a strong favourite to win despite stepping up in weight and being the challenger. The Japanese fighter is at 1.28 to win outright, well ahead of Stephen Fulton’s 3.75 to win on Wednesday.
In terms of method of victory betting, an Inoue knockout is how William Hill sees this one ending with odds of only 1.80. The home favourite by decision is next at 3.25, followed by a Fulton decision at 5.50 and knockout for the champion at 11.00.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: July 24th, 8:30 P.M. (GMT)
The big question heading into this bout is whether or not the power that has seen Inoue win 21 of his 24 fights by way of knockout will remain relevant at the super-bantamweight level. We see no reason why it won’t. Sure, Fulton is a bigger super-bantamweight with a larger frame. However, Inoue has fought big men before and left them gazing at stars. It’s not like he’s going to be up against a heavyweight either—we’re only talking about a few pounds difference and don’t think it will faze Inoue who will still be confident of a knockout here.
In saying that, Fulton is a skilled fighter and an adept mover, so this clash may go deep before Inoue finds the knockout blow. Conservatively, back the fight not to go the distance at 1.73. For a little more return, bet on an Inoue knockout at 1.80. For the biggest return we see possible on this clash, wager that Inoue’s knockout will come in rounds 7-12 for a 3.50 return on your bet.
