The boxing world is preparing for the next big main event which see’s Anthony Joshua take on Daniel Dubois for the IBF world heavyweight title this Saturday at Wembley Stadium.

Boxing has always been a popular sport to bet on in the UK, with 14% of UK bettors regularly betting on the sport.

However, over the past 12 months, the sport has seen an increase in searches relating to confusion around betting strategies, with searches for ‘Boxing betting explained’ seeing a 100% search increase.

In light of this, whether you are betting using cryptocurrency or not, Josip Putarek Head of Content at crypto sports betting website Bitedge, explains the crucial strategies for first time bettors to keep in mind when placing bets this weekend.

Please find Josip’s comment below:

For first-time bettors, it’s important to understand that boxing offers a variety of betting options beyond just predicting the winner.

The sport offers more than just a simple “win/lose” bet. Here are some of the most common options:

Main betting strategies for AJ vs Dubois

• Moneyline Bets: The most straightforward bet—picking who will win the fight. Favourites will have lower odds, while underdogs offer higher payouts but more risk.
• Method of Victory: Predict how the fight will end. Will it be a knockout (KO/TKO), a decision (unanimous or split), or a disqualification? This is a popular option with higher potential returns.
• Round Betting: Bet on which round the fight will end, or whether it will go the full distance. For first-time bettors, this can be a risky option but offers the potential for higher payouts.
• Over/Under Rounds: A safer approach where you bet on whether the fight will last over or under a set number of rounds. For example, you might bet on the fight lasting more or fewer than 9.5 rounds.

How to improve your boxing betting strategy 

1. Understand the Odds

Boxing odds are usually displayed in either fractional (e.g., 5/1) or decimal (e.g., 6.00) format. It’s essential to understand how to read these odds, as they represent the likelihood of an outcome and the potential payout. A favourite like Joshua might be priced at 1/3 (decimal: 1.33), meaning you’d need to bet £3 to win £1.

2. Do your homework on the fighters

Don’t just bet based on hype—research the fighters. Factors like recent form, fighting style, weight class adjustments, and even psychological preparedness can greatly impact the outcome. Anthony Joshua, for example, is known for his power and athleticism, but how does he perform against taller opponents or technical boxers?

Looking at AJ’s form, out of his 28 wins, 22 have been by KO/TKO, showcasing his knockout power. His knockout rate is one of the reasons he’s been such an exciting fighter to watch, particularly in the heavyweight division. With this in mind, for a successful bet we would recommend placing a Method of Victory bet on AJ to win by knockout. You can also place a moneyline bet for AJ to outright win the fight.

Other experts within the sport, such as Tony Bellew have predicted an AJ victory within the first four round, so if you do your research and follow news, pundit interviews and other related stories, you could also do round betting, however, there is always an element of risk involved.

3. Select the right platform

Selecting the right platform is crucial—it lays the groundwork for successful betting. Whether it’s standard platforms or a crypto betting platform, choose one that is known for its reliability, user experience, and competitive odds. Ensure the platform supports the cryptocurrencies you prefer and offers strong security measures to protect your funds.”

4. Consider In-Play Betting

For those new to boxing betting, live or in-play betting can be exciting. This allows you to place bets while the fight is in progress, reacting to how the action unfolds. However, this requires sharp observation and quick decision-making, so approach with caution.

Many crypto betting platforms offer analytics and real-time data. Use these tools to inform your betting decisions and identify trends that could enhance your betting strategy.

5. Bankroll Management

Lastly, as with any form of betting, managing your bankroll is crucial. Set a budget and stick to it—never bet more than you’re prepared to lose. Betting on boxing is about strategy, patience, and knowledge, not just gut instinct, and remember, betting should be enjoyable and not a financial strain.