Bookmakers have given Oleksandr Usyk a huge chance of winning his battle against Tony Bellew despite punters backing the Briton.
Bellew has opened as a sizable underdog in the fractions, following reports that a fight is edging closer.
The 35-year-old has been installed as a 6/1 outsider by bookies, with Usyk being fancied at as short as 1/14.
That implies a 94% probability of the cruiserweight king winning what would be a massive showdown.
However, punters are putting their hard-earned cash on Bellew. 68% of all bets on the fight backing the Liverpudlian to come out victorious.
Bellew is reportedly keen on fighting with WBC, WBA Super, WBO, and IBF champion.
WHEN AND WHERE
November 10th is reportedly the date for the clash at the O2 Arena in London. Usyk’s promoter and manager have also backed the fight happening.
Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek said: “With the performances of late from Usyk, it’s no surprise that the Ukrainian has opened as a hefty favorite to topple Tony Bellew.
“Bookies are indicating that this should be a one-sided contest, although punters across the country have been happy to back Bellew at a pretty large underdog price.”
Usyk’s manager Egis Klimas told WBN recently he believes the fight will happen.
“Both promoters K-2 and Eddie Hearn met yesterday to discuss Usyk vs. Bellew, and I believe the fight will happen,” Klimas exclusively told World Boxing News on August 15.
Asked whether the contest would take place in November on UK soil, Klimas added: “We don’t know yet. We are still discussing details of the date and venue.”
A win for Usyk could even put him in contention to face Joshua at Wembley in 2019. Dillian Whyte remains the firm favorite to seal a collision with Joshua in April.
Whatever the outcome, the cruiserweight straps are expected to be vacated by the end of the year for a host of contenders to fight it out for.
