Who are the Favorites for the Heavyweight Division’s Two Huge Title Fights?

ByIan Shutts
Tyson Fury

The year 2024 is shaping up to be a monumental one for heavyweight boxing, with three colossal clashes set to capture the attention of fans worldwide. Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury have already fought once, with the Ukrainian becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis some two decades ago. Now, the pair will do battle once more, while another mouthwatering clash will take place in the UK. Who are the betting favorites for both bouts? 

Oleksandr Usyk vs Tyson Fury II

The rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury is arguably the most anticipated boxing event of the year. The pair will clash once again this December, and the latest odds from Paddy Power make Usyk the -188 favorite to secure his legacy once and for all with a second victory. His ability to read and adapt to his opponent’s tactics is unparalleled, and his footwork remains a marvel in the heavyweight division. His strategy will likely focus on outmaneuvering Fury just as he did back in May, employing his superior speed and awe-inspiring footwork to grind out another hard-fought victory. 

On the other hand, Fury cannot be underestimated. His unpredictability and resilience have seen him overcome seemingly insurmountable odds before, and this time around he will have to overcome a defeat for the first time in his career. His towering presence and reach advantage give him the tools to disrupt Usyk’s rhythm, and he will be more motivated than ever before to emerge victorious. The latest sports betting guides will show you just how many markets are available to bet on in the contest, but we like the luck of Fury getting the underdog victory at odds of +150.  

Their first encounter left fans in awe as the former’s technical prowess met the Gypsy King’s unorthodox style. In a clash that was somewhat of a chess match throughout the first six rounds, it was Usyk who managed to enforce his will on the much bigger Fury, dropping him in the ninth round en route to a narrow but deserved split decision victory. Will he be able to repeat the feat and bring the curtain down on a stellar year this December? 

 

Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois

While the initial Usyk vs Fury clash was for the undisputed championship, their rematch will not be as the Ukrainian has dropped the IBF title, which is now on the line for Anthony Joshua’s upcoming bout with Daniel Dubois. The clash is another titanic matchup that promises fireworks, with AJ proving that he still has what it takes to remain a major player in the division while Dubois is looking to finally reach the heavyweight summit. The more experienced AJ is a huge 1/5 betting favorite, and it would be quite a shocker if he did not leave Wembley with the gold on September 21st. 

For Joshua, his tenure at the top of the heavyweight division has been marked by impressive victories and a few notable setbacks, and he will be hoping to avoid another of those this autumn. The key will be to utilize his experience, maintain distance, and avoid trading heavy blows with Dubois. If he can control the pace and stay composed, Joshua’s superior technique and strategic acumen should see him through. 

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