It’s time for our Dillian Whyte v Oscar Rivas betting tips. Last week we saw Frank Warren put on a show of strength in London with his card headlined by Daniel Dubois and Nathan Graham, it was a night that lived up to the hype, and then some. It’s now a chance for fellow boxing promoter Eddie Heard to close the gap and he too chooses the heavyweight division to help him do it.
On Saturday night Matchroom Sports bring us an incredible night of championship boxing that appeals to both the purists and casuals. Number one contender Dillian Whyte takes on unbeaten Columbian Oscar Rivas over 12 rounds at the 02 Arena in London at the head of an action-packed show that will keep viewers glued to their seats from the first bell.
Stacked Undercard
The undercard boasts some very interesting fights, including Dave Allen v David Price, Dereck Chisora v Artur Szpilka, Richard Riakporhe v Chris Billam-Smith and followers will also get the chance to catch up on the likes of Charlie Duffield, Lawrence Okolie and the progressive Fabio Wardley. There’s betting on each of the evening’s major fights, allowing punters an added interest.
Have your say on the winners of the bouts that catch your eye and back them as a single as you aim to pull in a slight profit. You can also throw a few shrewd selections together in a nice priced accumulator, giving backers the chance to win big for small stakes. This is also a great value for money bet as it will keep you watching all night.
Dereck Chisora returns to action and it has been rumoured this will be his final shot at firing himself up through the ranks and taking on a big name from the division. If Del Boy wins on Saturday, it’s likely he’ll face off against former world champion Joe Parker next time out in a big money contest and that’s enough to ensure we should see the best of him on Saturday. It’s a bout that really caught our eye as Dereck blows hot and cold at times and you never know what version is going to turn up. We can’t get away from what should be a cracking main event, however, and that’s where we focus our attentions, previewing Whyte v Rivas.
Number One Contender
You’ve got to feel for Dillian Whyte as he has been number one contender with the WBC for some time now and really should have had a shot at reigning world champion Deontay Wilder by now. It’s not clear just what’s happening on that front, but Whyte must remain patient and resist the urge to get pulled into boxing politics. If he keeps fighting and keeps winning the division’s big boys can’t ignore him forever. The Londoner is in danger of becoming an avoided fighter due to his talents and willingness to fight anyone, but patience will pay-off in the end.
Whyte brings a professional record of 25 wins against one defeat and no draws. No less than 18 of his victories to date have come inside the distance and that has resulted in a near 70% knockout average. The 6ft 4inch orthodox from Brixton suffered the one defeat when being stopped by Anthony Joshua in a gripping contest. He almost had AJ out that night too, coming within one or two well-timed shots of ending it, but was made to pay the price. Joshua roared back and didn’t need asking twice when he had Dillian hurt. The beaten man would’ve learned a lot from that night.
Since then, he has won each of his nine bouts, scoring five by knockout. He was last seen halting long-term rival Dereck Chisora in the 11th round of a contest scheduled for 12 and it’s worth knowing Whyte was behind on the scorecards when landing the decisive blow. That’s why he can never be written off as he has power in both hands and is as dangerous in the last few rounds as he is in the first couple.
Fans Want the Big Fights
It’s little surprise to learn many of the current champions have been avoiding him and that’s a shame for boxing fans as Whyte v Andy Ruiz Jr would be a thriller and Whyte v Deontay Wilder surely wouldn’t go the distance. The latter is more likely and if Dillian wins on Saturday we’ve got to hope the WBC force that fight through. It’s likely to take place in America, if at all, but that wouldn’t be something that would knock the challenger’s confidence any.
Whyte’s form and his recent run of knockout wins makes him an obvious favourite to score another victory on Saturday and bookmakers seem convinced they have the winner picked when pricing the Brit as favourite. William Hill are offering 2/9 this one goes to plan and, although that’s tight, it’s better than the 1/5 that is generally available with the competition. That quote tells us Dillian should win with a bit to spare but we make this bout much closer than that and that’ll catch the eye of the value hunters looking to make bookies pay.
The fight winner betting is tight but there’s more to be had if playing the method of victory and there you’ll find Whyte on points as the most likely outcome with an even money price attached by Ladbrokes. That’s ahead of the knockout that can be trusted at 13/8 – top price with Ladbrokes. We prefer having the KO/TKO over the points win as the jolly was being out-boxed by Dereck Chisora last time, not a man that’s known for his silky skills. Fancy the upset? Oscar Rivas to win is 10/3 with Bet365 and that won’t go untouched. The KO/TKO is yours at 7/1 (William Hill).
Our Tip: Whyte rounds 7-12 at 7/2 with Ladbrokes