Ahead of their first meeting back in May, Mayweather was a 1/10 favourite to retain his WBC welterweight title and pick up Maidana’s WBA version, and this time around there is only a slight change with the oddsmakers.
Mayweather hurtles towards fight time at fractions of 1/8 with most UK betting experts, which is reflected across the Atlantic with odds of –800 in favour of the current two-weight world title holder. Maidana’s price of 5/1 against may look attractive to some optimists, but the smart money would certainly be on Mayweather repeating his points victory in the spring at a handsome 4/9 on.
It’s obvious that Maidana’s rough and ready tactics won’t be quite enough to put a first dent in Mayweather’s supreme record, as a stoppage is widely thought to be the route to victory for the rugged Argentinian – and is even wider at 7/1. A long-awaited knockout for Mayweather is currently 7/2, with the fight to end inside schedule at 5/2. Maidana winning on points is the longest price besides a draw at 11/1 as gaining a decision in the champions backyard seems an impossible task for the challenger.
Suffering back-to-back losses won’t affect Maidana’s career too much if the worse does transpire for the South American tonight and the ‘Chino’ household bank balance will certainly be looking a lot healthier.
On the other hand, fans should expect a better performance this time around from Mayweather as another majority decision looks unlikely should the world’s best hone his first fight strategy to make things a lot easier for himself.
A change of referee with Kenny Bayless coming in for Tony Weeks could see Maidana’s less-than gentlemanly conduct at time being squashed from the off by the new man in the middle, which would open the door for a more convincing win for the 37 year-old star of the sport.
Somewhere around the eight round to four mark is where my money would go as Mayweather improves his record to 47-0 and head into his final year as a professional.
Mayweather v Maidana 2 is live on Showtime PPV on September 13 and BoxNation in the UK. To subscribe click BoxNation
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