Betting Strategy Guide
How to Bet on Boxing
Key takeaways
- A boxing moneyline is a bet on which fighter wins, and many sportsbooks also price the draw as a third outcome.
- Method of victory, round betting and total rounds let you bet on how and when a fight ends, at bigger prices than the moneyline.
- A draw or a no-contest can settle each market differently, so check the house rules before you bet on a fight.
To bet on boxing, you usually pick the fighter who wins on the moneyline. You can also bet on a draw, on how the fight ends, on the round it ends in or on how many rounds it lasts. Each fight is its own event, so the details of the matchup matter.
Moneyline and the draw
Many sportsbooks price the draw as a third outcome, because a fight can end level on the scorecards.
| Outcome | Odds | $10 bet wins | Implied probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Favorite | -400 | $2.50 | 80.0% |
| Underdog | +300 | $30.00 | 25.0% |
| Draw | +2000 | $200.00 | 4.8% |
On a two-way moneyline, with no draw option, many sportsbooks return the stake if the fight is a draw. See how to bet the moneyline.
Method of victory and round betting
Method of victory splits a win into a stoppage, such as a KO or TKO, or a decision on the scorecards. Where a disqualification fits varies by sportsbook. Round betting asks for the fighter and the round of a stoppage; some markets group rounds, such as rounds 1 to 3.
Total rounds
Men's world title fights are scheduled for 12 three-minute rounds; other fights are often shorter. A total such as over/under 9.5 rounds is a bet on how long the fight lasts. With three-minute rounds the half round usually falls at 1:30, so over 9.5 wins if the fight passes 1:30 of round 10. See total betting.
Scorecards, draws and no-contests
A fight that goes the distance is scored by three judges. A unanimous, split or majority decision names a winner; a draw does not. If an accidental foul stops a fight early, it can end as a no-contest or go to the scorecards as a technical decision, depending on when it happens. Bets on the winner, the method and the rounds can settle differently in each case, so read the house rules.
What to consider before you bet
- Styles: an outside boxer against a pressure fighter often decides the shape of a bout.
- Weight and activity: a move up in weight or a long layoff can change a fighter.
- Judging: close fights go to the scorecards, so think about how rounds might be scored.
- Power: stoppage rates guide method and round bets.
See current fights on the boxing odds page. MMA is bet in a similar way; read how to bet on MMA.
Betting at Betcris Arizona
Betcris Arizona is licensed by the Arizona Department of Gaming. You must be 21 or older and located in Arizona to place a bet. Check the current promotions before you bet, and read our responsible gaming policy. If gambling stops being fun, call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bet on a draw in boxing?
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Yes, where offered. The draw is usually a long price because it is rare: a $10 bet at +2000 wins $200.
What happens to a boxing moneyline bet if the fight is a draw?
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On a two-way moneyline many sportsbooks return the stake. On a three-way market, bets on either fighter lose. Check the house rules.
What does over 9.5 rounds mean in boxing?
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The fight must last past the midpoint of round 10, usually 1:30 into a three-minute round. If it ends earlier, the under wins.
What is a no-contest in boxing?
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A result with no winner, most often after an accidental foul ends a fight early. How bets are settled depends on the market and the house rules.
