It’s the biggest fight in a generation, and it has captured the attention of sports fans worldwide. For almost a quarter of a century, world heavyweight boxing has lacked one instantly recognizable champion. Some of the most famous names in prize fighting have conquered heavyweight boxing, holding all respected versions of the world title at once. But that has been sorely lacking for too long, with fight fans unsure of the biggest name in the heaviest division.
Thankfully, that wait is almost over. We are fast approaching the date when a new ruler will be confirmed. Current champions Tyson Fury of England and Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk will put their belts and reputations on the line in a winner-takes-all bout in Saudi Arabia. Fury vs. Usyk has already been postponed once due to injury but is now set for Saturday, 18th May, at the Kingdom Arena, Riyadh. But which warrior will prevail? You can make predictions at the best online betting sites today.
Which side of the fence are you on in the battle of the unbeaten fighters? Do you expect a nervy and tense evening with neither fighter willing to engage in the early rounds or perhaps an all-out war from the opening bell? Traders working at the leading sportsbooks offer odds and a long list of eye-catching markets, including the fight to end inside the opening 60 seconds. The most recent odds have Fury as the favorite, and many pundits and bookies predict an explosive evening.
Back the knockout
Heavyweight boxing bouts can turn in a second, the momentum of the fight switching with one blow. That’s why we love it and why heavyweight boxing continues to draw a crowd.
Will we see a KO in May when Fury and Usyk go head-to-head? It’s certainly possible as two previously unbeaten fighters and giants of the game prepare to tee off. Neither man will take a gung-ho approach, but both possess raw power.
Do you fancy betting on the knockout but want the best value possible to ensure your stake works hard on your behalf? We’re here to help. In this section of our boxing article, we explain five simple but effective ways to bet the knockout in Fury vs. Usyk using your smartphone or laptop.
Five of the best
The first and easiest way is to back Fury to win by KO/TKO in the method of victory market. He is the pre-fight favorite and boasts a 70% knockout average from 35 contests. He has the size and strength to do it again.
The second way to bet the knockout in this bout is to trust Usyk to upset the world by stopping the Gypsy King. Oleksandr is the naturally smaller man, but he’s quick, accurate, difficult to hit, and a great counter-puncher.
Thirdly, play the round betting. If you’re looking for a bet at attractive odds and are ready to choose a round, this market is ideal. Select which fighter you think will win by KO and the round the bout will end, such as Fury by KO/TKO in round six or Usyk by KO/TKO in round 12.
This fight has many specials, and we like the possibility of the night ending early. You can bet on either fighter to win in the opening 60 seconds of action. It doesn’t matter which man scores the KO as long as it’s in the first minute of the fight.
The fifth and final way to bet on a knockout in Fury vs Usyk is to select a fighter to be knocked down but get up and win by KO. Fury did just that against American Deontay Wilder when taking the Bronze Bomber’s title. If you predict a nail-biting contest, this market looks perfect.
Take inspiration from the greats
The greatest fighters from heavyweight boxing history all shared one thing: incredible knockout power. While we await Fury vs Usyk in Riyadh, let’s find inspiration by remembering the greats. These are the men who made a career out of rendering opponents unconscious.
Joe Louis
Widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, Joe Louis, also known as the “Brown Bomber,” possessed a formidable combination of speed, power, and technique.
Throughout his illustrious career, Louis amassed an impressive record of 66 wins, with an astounding 52 of those victories coming by way of knockout. His devastating punching power and clinical precision made him a fearsome opponent in the ring, earning him the admiration of fans and fellow boxers alike.
Louis’s ability to deliver knockout blows with ruthless efficiency solidified his status as a boxing legend and a cultural icon during the golden age of the sport.
Rocky Marciano
Unbeaten throughout his entire professional career, Rocky Marciano, known as the “Brockton Blockbuster,” was renowned for his relentless aggression and knockout power.
Despite standing at just 5 feet 10 inches tall, Marciano possessed extraordinary punching power, with 43 of his 49 victories coming by way of knockout. His relentless pressure and unwavering determination allowed him to overwhelm opponents with a relentless barrage of punches, earning him the nickname “The Brockton Blockbuster.”
Marciano’s ability to deliver knockout blows with relentless ferocity cemented his legacy as one of the most dominant heavyweight champions in boxing history.
Mike Tyson
Arguably the most feared and ferocious boxer of his era, Mike Tyson, known as “Iron Mike,” struck fear into the hearts of his opponents with his blistering hand speed and devastating knockout power.
Throughout his career, Tyson recorded an impressive 50 wins, with a staggering 44 of those victories coming by way of knockout. His explosive punching ability and aggressive fighting style made him a force to be reckoned with in the ring, as he dispatched opponents with ruthless efficiency.
Tyson’s ability to deliver knockout blows in the blink of an eye captivated audiences around the world, establishing him as one of the most iconic and polarizing figures in the history of the sport.