Tyson Fury takes on Otto Wallin in his third US bout in a row
Tyson Fury vs Otto Wallin
Similar to his last fight, Fury is the odds on favourite (best price 1/25) and should be far too much for his competent but overmatched opponent. As a punter it is easy to get disheartened with Fury’s latest opponents, not least because they make punting somewhat more difficult when the outright markets are so unapproachable. However, there is some value to be had in this fight to turn our pennies into pounds.
Last time out, we saw a more spiteful and aggressive Fury. He demonstrated his elusiveness and footwork but also showed a more offensive style that hasn’t always been Fury’s way. Some of that will be down to Tom Schwarz’s limitations allowing Fury to tee off. Otto Wallin is certainly overmatched, but he is more capable than Fury’s last opponent. The Swede is a southpaw and technically sound, although unspectacular. He got a decent number of amateur bouts under his belt before turning pro, including twice losing to Anthony Joshua on points. Fury should comfortably deal with his opponent but it should present more of a contest than his previous bout.
Despite the more aggressive display against Schwarz, Fury hasn’t become a big punching heavyweight overnight and he generally takes a little more time to break down his opposition. Of his last 12 stoppage victories, 8 have come after the fourth round. This fight looks like it will follow that trend and head into the middle and possibly even the later rounds. Tyson Fury in the second half of the fight (rounds 7-12) is a good price (15/8 with Sky Bet); as is Fury to win in rounds 5-8 (21/10 with Paddy Power) or rounds 7-9 (7/2 with Betfred). The 15/8 on a 6 round spread feels a better price especially considering Wallin will offer more offensively and defensively.
Ryan Garcia v Avery Sparrow
Away from the big fight, there’s a small punt to be hand on an undercard underdog. Ryan Garcia is a highly rated young fighter who’s developed a big following. However, much of that following is driven by his self-promoting Instagram and boyband looks rather than his boxing. There has been evidence of flaws in his style already and some footage of him struggling in sparring. He’s taken a step up this weekend in fighting Avery Sparrow, who’s only got 11 fights under his belt but has beaten the experienced and tough Henry Lundy already. There was 14/1 floating around on Sparrow; unfortunately that price has long gone, but 10/1 is still available (Sporting Bet) and is worth a nibble on the upset.
