It’s been a slow start to the year in terms of combat sports, but one big fight will take place this weekend. England’s Ohara Davis will take on Venezuelan Ismael Barroso in a bout for the WBA Interim Super-Lightweight title, in what has been a long-awaited clash.
With the pair twice cancelling this clash last minute, it will be a delight to simply see these two share a ring. Davies is the obvious favourite being younger and coming into this one on a hot winning streak, while Barroso is the wrong side of 40 years old and entering Saturday night off the back of a loss. However, there’s plenty of punching power in these super-lightweights, meaning anything could happen in Las Vegas this weekend.
We break down the latest betting odds from bookmaker William Hill and outline the best bets to make on Davies vs. Barroso ahead of this title fight.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 6th, 5:30 A.M. (GMT)
Looking at the outright betting odds, Ohara Davies is a clear favourite to win in Las Vegas this Saturday night. The 31-year-old returns just 1.20 for a victory at bookmaker William Hill, compared to Ismael Barroso’s 4.50, making him a moderate underdog.
Method of victory odds paint a clearer picture, with a Davies’ knockout the most favoured outcome at 1.67. Next is the Brit winning by decision at 3.50, before Barroso’s best chance is a knockout as well, at 6.00. Long odds come for a Barroso decision at 11.00 and a draw at 19.00.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: January 6th, 5:30 A.M. (GMT)
With these two finally meeting after much frustration for those hoping to see this clash earlier, backing Davies to win is the sensible bet. The Englishman is younger, more skilled, and more confident right now. He’s got an excellent ability to work an opponent around the ring and capitalise on opportunities and is riding a two-fight knockout streak. Barroso has been knocked out three times in his career, and a fourth would pay 1.67 here.
However, those chasing some slightly juicer odds will want to look at Barroso winning by knockout. This is almost certainly his only path to victory, given the deficit in age and skill between these two. It’s not at all an unrealistic path though, with Barroso winning 22 of his 24 career victories by knockout, at an impressive 92%. He’ll know it has to end this way too and will be willing to take the risks needed to get it done. Whether or not he can execute is another question, but with a return of 6.00 on the line it’s worth a punt we say.
