KSI vs. Logan Paul 2: Betting Picks & Preview
In a month of boxing that has included Scotland’s Josh Taylor becoming unified world Champion, Canelo knocking out a cruiserweight and a modern classic between Inoue and Donaire, the YouTube sensations KSI and Logan Paul are serving up easily the biggest fight of the month (arguably of the year). The interest, hype and build-up of the fight between the Ohioan and the Brit vastly outweighs anything else in boxing currently and both fighters are confident of delivering even more action than their first bout, which ended a draw.
This first fight was a typical white-collar event, with head guards and 16oz gloves fought over 6 rounds. The second bout is also being fought over 6 rounds but both fighters now have professional boxing licences and are fighting under full professional rules: no headguards and smaller 10oz gloves. That means both men will be in line to take more punishment than the first. An interesting betting angle is whether they will be able to stand it.
Looking at the betting markets, it seems the majority of bookmakers expect a stoppage under the new rules. Eithier Fighter to win on points is a chunky +160, compared to -192 for it to end inside the distance. Logan Paul is also the betting favourite, his best price is -162 and KSI’s best price is +180. The winner market seems to fancy the bigger fighter, with Logan Paul certainly holding height and reach advantages over KSI. However, the previous fight swung in KSI’s favour the longer it went on and Logan Paul struggled with his stamina in the later rounds, which can be one of the disadvantages of being of a bigger, more muscular build (just ask Anthony Joshua). If Logan Paul does gas out in the final few rounds, he will find it considerably more unpleasant than the first bout, facing 10oz gloves with no head guard.
However, regardless of whether Logan Paul gasses or not, KSI didn’t look like he had the accuracy to really take advantage of any defensive weaknesses. In fact, neither fighter really demonstrated the offensive tools to put away their opponent; exhaustion looked far more likely to put an end to the bout than concussion. For that reason, the +160 available on the fight going the distance looks like a great wager. In terms of the winner, it’s hard to pick between the two after the last fight went down to the wire. However, Logan Paul looked the more polished and capable of the two until his wheels fell off later in the fight. If he is better conditioned and can pace himself this time round, he should have enough to steal the win. Some bookies are offering odds as long as +450 on Logan Paul to win on points, whilst others are offering +350, both look like a good bet.
2u - Either Fighter to Win on Points @ +160
1u - Logan Paul to Win on Points @ +450
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By Peter Morris