Updated: Mar 6, 2018 10:13 am
Why Joshua vs Klitschko was the start of better things for heavyweight boxing
From 2004 to 2015 the Klitschko brothers, Vitali and Wladimir, dominated the world of heavyweight boxing. This lead to a predictable period for the sport, when watching and betting on heavyweight bouts did little to spark the imagination. Vitali eventually retired from the sport, but Wladimir was still there to be beaten.
The enigma that is Tyson Fury unexpectedly made waves when he beat Klitschko on points. The story ended in disaster for Fury as his license was suspended before the re-match could happen, after he tested positive for cocaine. It was left to Anthony Joshua to begin a new era for heavyweight boxing, when he triumphed over Klitschko in 2017. The match was an exciting spectacle and seemed to open the floodgates for things to come.
Betting promise for spring
It’s Joshua, the new poster boy of heavyweight boxing, who is at the centre of much betting focus this spring. His bout against New Zealander Joseph Parker, on 31 March 2018, is certainly attracting the punters. Joshua is odds on favourite for the win, but there is still value to be had from other bets, such as wagering on which round the victory will occur in. If bettors pay attention to experts such as Evander Holyfield, they may also want to place a bet on a Parker victory; the ex-heavyweight champion believes that the WBO champion has the power and speed of punch to cause an upset.
The big fight is not the only piece of betting action to take an interest in this spring; once again the Grand National is set to gain a lot of attention. This is one of those events that attracts many first time bettors. For these first timers it’s a good idea to take a look at the best RTG Casino offers, such as the free bets available at Paddy Power and Betfair. The bookmakers are certain to have plenty of attractive betting offers available for the big race and the big fight.
What the future holds for heavyweight boxing
Will odds on favourite Joshua turn out to be the winner on 31 March? The truth is that there is never a certainty when it comes to picking the winner in a heavyweight bout, or a steeplechase race. In this case it seems like the result is certainly not a foregone conclusion. Parker has a good pedigree, as well as power and speed. He has attracted good comments from WBC champion Deontay Wilder who recently triumphed over Luis Ortiz .
If Joshua does achieve victory over Parker as expected, it’s the powerful Wilder he is likely to face next. Whatever the results of forthcoming bouts it looks set to be an exciting year for heavyweight boxing, which could potentially end with an undisputed heavyweight champion of the world being in place.
It’s another step in the rise of excitement in the heavyweight arena that started when Joshua beat Klitschko.
