Is there anything better than a bit of bad blood prior to a boxing match? That’s exactly what has happened in the build up to the WBO World Super Lightweight title fight between Josh Taylor and Teofimo Lopez this weekend. With Lopez crossing the line and stating that he intends to “take Taylor’s life,” while Taylor has refused to be in the same room as Lopez, things are certainly a little heated prior to Saturday night in New York.
Both men could do with a convincing victory, coming into this clash off the back of some underwhelming performances. For Taylor, he’s been inactive for a year, had some belts stripped, and the last time he fought, he won by the skin of his teeth against someone he should have thrashed. Lopez, on the other hand, suffered his first loss in 2021 and has seemed shaky since.
With plenty on the line at the Hulu Theater in New York this weekend, we break down all the best bets to place on Taylor vs. Lopez with the latest odds from bookmaker William Hill.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: June 9th, 3:30 A.M. (GMT)
The outright winner odds from bookmaker William Hill indicate that this will be a close one. Josh Taylor has his nose in front at 1.57, but Teofimo Lopez isn’t far behind on 2.50. In terms of method of victory, a decision to Taylor is most likely at 2.62 with a Taylor knockout the next best in the odds at 3.25.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: June 9th, 3:30 A.M. (GMT)
Given the number of variables heading into this fight—both fighter’s form, Taylor changing camps, Lopez having some personal issues, and the bad blood between them—there are plenty of ways this clash could go. The most conservative route is to bet on the fight going the distance at 1.57. Both men have knockout percentages of 68%, and given their pedigree, it’s hard to see this ending early.
More specifically, we say Taylor will win on points. The Scotsman is taller, thicker set and has a longer reach than his opponent. Lopez has struggled in the past against bigger men and likes to have his opponents coming towards him—something that Taylor won’t need to do. Chances are Taylor uses his calmer mentality and superior size to milk a points victory here.
For a greater return, take a punt on this being a split decision at 7.00. Both men won split decisions in their past two fights, with Lopez even seeing the judges’ cards split twice in his past three clashes. Considering how tight the margins could be between these two and how unpredictable the match-up is, a split decision could well be a just conclusion.
