IBHOF’s boxing and gambling expert Graham Houston looks for value in bets this weekend, including European welterweight champion David Avanesyan against Finland’s Oskari Metz and the clash between Belfast famed Tyrone McKenna and former WBA 140lbs champion Regis Prograis.
There aren’t any blockbuster matches tonight but there could be some betting possibilities even if there are plenty of big favorites across the board.
David Avanesyan was a favorite during his European welterweight title defense against Finland Oskari Metz topped the bill on the BT Sport show from Wembley Arena. Avanesyan is the 1/50th favorite at Betfred. KO TKO proposal is priced at 1/6. Some markets have 4.5 round over/under suggestions at 5/6 (-120) pick ’em.
Metz is taller than Avanesyan and he is unbeaten in 15 games. He had a great away win a few years ago when he overcame Michal Syrowatka in Poland. It was also an easy win as Metz won every round.
During his duel with Syrowatka, Metz had what could be called a “fight-mean” view of him. He was on top of the Polish boxer from the start, dashing in, lowering his right arm upwards and digging the left hook into his body. He hit Syrowatka so easily that at one point – from memory in the fifth round – one of the Polish TV commentators had to say “Ay-yi-yi! ”, Ricky Ricardo-like, exasperated.
Avanesyan clearly looks like a warrior of greater caliber than Metz – more seasoned, stronger, hit harder. But from what I see of Metz, he looks like a tough, ready, and diligent fighter. And with an undefeated fighter, we don’t know what level he can reach.
If Metz decided to go to war with Avanesyan, he could quickly find himself underpowered. Avanesyan has been attacking opponents recently. But it’s possible, with sheer tenacity and defiance, that Metz could hold out until at least half a point into the fifth inning. I think I’d rather have a chance of over 4.5 than under.
I have a feeling that the 140-pound athlete is undefeated Henry Turner could win in the first minute of injury time in a scheduled six-round match against Ivan Njegac on the card below Wembley. Tall southpaw Turner won all six pro fights on points. But Njegac has been stopped in five of his last eight games, including two one-round KO losses. When one boxer is stopped multiple times, it’s easy for the other boxer to make him wish he was somewhere else.
Turner is not what you would call such a tough beater but he is only 21 years old and still has his masculinity. I’m sure he wants to get the first KO/TKO on his record and Njegac looks like the perfect opponent. Some shops offer “gap – no” but the price has dropped and you’re looking at odds of 2/3 (-150) of Turner completing it in six scheduled rounds.
of Ireland Tyrone McKenna facing a formidable opponent in the former 140 lbs champion Regis Prograis in Dubai, and it’s no surprise that he’s a big underdog. If you feel McKenna could shock the boxing world, you might be interested in the 12/1 (+1200) odds on offer at Betfred for an Irishman’s eyes in Dubai.
This is a huge opportunity for McKenna as the bout is a WBC title knockout. But while the 6ft 1in McKenna is considerable height and gains advantages, he is more inclined to engage in gunfights than boxing on the outside, and going up against the powerful Prograis doesn’t seem to be the case. a particularly good idea.
Even as McKenna manages to keep the fight at long range, it’s hard to see him holding Prograis the entire distance. With that in mind, Betfred offers Prograis KO/TKO at 2/9 (-450).
Suggested over/under (total innings) might be the way to go here.
The first leg over 5.5 innings has a common price of 5/7 (-140). If McKenna makes a disciplined fight and uses movement it’s possible he could make it into the sixth round. Prograis doesn’t quickly eliminate everyone. After all, England’s Terry Flanagan stayed there for 12 rounds against Prograis. But if a “too” proposition bettor and a dangerous fighter like Prograis are in the ring, five and a half rounds could be eternity.
Main image: Avanesyan (left) and Metz meet at Wembley Arena in London on Saturday. Photo: Queensberry Promotion.
