Big time boxing returns to our screens on Saturday as Matchroom Sports present an action-packed evening of professional pugilism from the former Olympic village in Stratford, East London. Some of the most exciting young fighters are included on a bill that sees Charlie Edwards defend his WBC flyweight title against the challenge of Spain’s Angel Moreno. Here are our top Charlie Edwards v Angel Moreno betting tips.
Others to watch out for are Joshua Buatsi, who puts his unbeaten record on the line against Liam Conroy in a light heavyweight tussle for the British title. Big-hitting pair Lawrence Okolie and Wadi Camacho go toe-to-toe and fireworks are expected in that one as Machoman aims to catapult himself towards a crack at the European title, but to do that he must shine against a man unbeaten in 11 with a fearsome 73% KO average.
If you are a lover of boxing this is a card that’ll ensure you’re settled into your seats early, appreciating the support acts are just as interesting as the bill-topper. If you’re little more than a casual follower on the lookout for a Saturday night interest, you’ll be glad to learn all major bookmakers offer betting on the main bouts. Pick your match winner or deliver a body blow to the bookies by calling the method of victory at a big price, deciding between knockout or points.
Living the Dream
Charlie Edwards may duck between the ropes on fight night with only 15 bouts under his belt – boasting a record of 14 wins against one defeat – but he is already a world champion and is a young man living the dream. The 26-year-old from Surrey made his professional debut in January 2015 when stopping opponent Craig Derbyshire in the last of a four-round contest and has gone from strength to strength since, each of his first two settled inside the distance.
Edwards’ form saw him fast-tracked towards the top table, but his first world title challenge ended in defeat when stopped in round 10 by Filipino John Riel Casimero in the summer of 2016 when contesting the IBF gong. Many thought Edwards had stepped up too early and, despite a gallant effort that night, it did look like he was in over his head. The young Englishman didn’t get the desired result, but he did pick-up invaluable experience and that was to make the difference when getting a second bite at the cherry.
Second Time Lucky
Following that defeat, Edwards make a quick-fire return to winning ways with the third-round TKO of Georgi Georgiev at Wembley Arena and that put him firmly back on track. Winning each of his six bouts since that sole loss, Charlie has picked up British, WBA Continental and WBC world titles, the latter coming courtesy of a 12-round points decision over Nicaraguan Cristofer Rosales in December at the 02 Arena. Another bold move but it was one that paid off and he was entered into world champion company with winning margins of four rounds, eight rounds and six rounds. Convincing stuff and it was completely deserved following a punch-perfect performance.
Fight fans were impressed, as were bookmakers who have moved swiftly to price the current holder up as favourite to defend his honour. Backers will find no better than 1/33 on an Edwards win and although that’s far too tight, it’s better than the 1/100 you’ll get with most firms. That shows just how confident the money men are that Charlie will come good again and continue his fairytale. There’s more to be had in the method of victory market where punters will get 2/9 at Bet365 about another win on the scorecards, 3/1 for a KO/TKO – both quotes taken from the Bet365 website.
Moreno an Experienced Contender
The pre-bout betting would have you believe Angel Moreno doesn’t have a chance of leaving with the title, but this is top-level boxing and punters know anything can happen in the fight game. The challenger comes from his Madrid base with a record showing 19 wins, two draws and two defeats from 23 bouts and 129 rounds boxed. His 26% knockout average proves he’s not much of a puncher at this level, but he has won six times by KO and enjoys the confidence that comes from a nine-fight unbeaten run.
The away fighter has been a professional since 2013 but suffered a mixed bag in his early career, winning only half of his first four. He finally found his feet and embarked on a six-fight winning run before suffering the first of his two defeats when dropping a points result over 12 when losing in Russia for the WBA Continental bauble. The 5ft 4inch orthodox then won two on the spin before losing again, this time to Thomas Masson in France for the European title. It looked like he had found his level, but Moreno stepped back and did the hard work needed to drive himself back into contention for the big pay days.
Winning Run
Angel returned to the domestic scene and rhymed off nine wins from as many starts between May 2016 and October 2018. During that time he claimed four wins by KO/TKO but has been taken the distance in each of his last two. Moreno outpointed Pablo Narvaez in Alcobendas before dishing out the same punishment to Cristian Narvvaez last time at the same venue. Impressive, and it was just what the challenger needed, but he’ll face a much tougher test when sharing the canvas with Edwards who is determined to hold onto his title after earning it the hard way.
Bookies don’t hold much hope for Angel Moreno winning this fight and upsetting the local crowd who will come out in numbers to support their champion. The odds-makers are so sure the title will stay where it is, in fact, they’ve made a chunky 16/1 available on the underdog. You’ll get that price at Unibet, although please trade carefully if risking your cash on the Spaniard as many firms are closer to 10/1 on the same bet and there’s too much difference there. We don’t expect it to be popular but if you are backing Angel you should do it at Unibet. The points win is his best chance at 25/1, the KO/TKO 33/1 – top price at Bet365. That’s the same quote you’ll get on the draw, which tells its own story.
Follow the Form
Moreno looks to have been over-matched here and he’s easy to oppose as his record shows he has lost when stepping up in grade in the past. He’s on a winning run but has been campaigning at a lower level than this bout with his last three matches being six rounders. That shouldn’t be overlooked. He has fought 12 rounds only twice before and lost both, so we won’t be advising you to have any money on the upset.
Edwards won the title on points and has a 40% KO average, but we do expect him to score an inside the distance win here and that’s where the value lies. Back Edwards KO/TKO as a super single at 3/1 with Bet365 or take him to win the bout in rounds 7-12 at 7/2. Both bets should give you a serious run for your stake money as Moreno’s lack of recent experience over the championship distance should see him struggle in the latter rounds.