The Boxing Bulletin: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: SB Nation MMA Rankings for August 2010

Betting On Boxing

by Michael Nelson

Thinking about laying down some cash on the Berto vs Collazo fight? Here are some things to consider before you put your money on the line...


Andre Berto Vs. Luis Collazo (January 17)

Betting Line: Andre Berto: -525 Luis Collazo: +400
My adjusted line: Andre Berto -210 Luis Collazo +165

Luis Collazo is by far Andre Berto's biggest test in his professional career. We haven't seen Andre in with a solid southpaw opponent before, and you should expect the quick-handed, fairly durable, experienced Collazo to give Berto fits. The lopsided line is almost certainly due to Shane Mosley's surprisingly easy victory over Luis two years ago. But given how little Collazo threw his straight left during the second half of that bout, I suspect his claim of an injured hand suffered in the early going was an honest excuse. Collazo has the skillset to touch Berto's face up, and in all likelihood, that's exactly what he'll do.

The main advantage that Andre Berto has is that his most glaring weakness is something that Collazo may not have the ability to test: his chin. Collazo has shown flashes of power in the past - like when he had Ricky Hatton skating around the ring - but he has never been considered a legitimate KO threat. He probably has the ability to stun or hurt Berto; whether or not he can finish him is another story. Moreover, Collazo's penchant for taking rounds off will mean easy points bagged for Berto, who throws the more emphatic, showier punches that'll catch the attention of the judges.

I favor Berto to win a close decision. As a betting man, however, that's not where my money would go, as I can easily envision Luis winning despite the odds suggesting he doesn't have much of a chance.

Recommendation: Throw some change on Luis Collazo, but don't bet the farmhouse. The odds will tighten up as the fight nears so put in early.


0 recs  |  Comment 2 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

I'm surprised Collazo's such a big dog and agree it's likely got a lot to do with the Mosley fight. He might not be good enough to beat Berto, but he's better than that line.

by Andy on Jan 9, 2009 2:51 AM EST reply actions  

Styles make fights, and while I think one can rely on Berto being the more energetic of the two, I'm not sure he will be very comfortable against a southpaw who knows what he is doing. That alone makes it worth putting something down on the veteran from NY, even if you think Berto should win.

by Lee Payton on Jan 9, 2009 11:10 AM EST reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

An SBNation Boxing Blog - Feature Stories, Previews, Ratings, Live Blogs, History, and more...
Start posting on The Boxing Bulletin »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Connect_with_facebook

SBNation.com Recent Stories

FILE - In this Sept. 24, 2009 photo, South Carolina's head coach Steve Spurrier stands with his quarterback Stephen Garcia (5) before the start of their NCAA college football game against Mississippi at Williams Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C.    A year ago, first-time postseason starter Stephen Garcia got chewed out by South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier for playing video games the night before the Outback Bowl game. These days, Garcia putting all his focus where it counts most _ on the Gamecocks.  (AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain, File)

College Football Kickoff: 2010 Season Gets Underway With Southern Mississippi At South Carolina

Pittsburgh running back Dion Lewis (28) runs with the ball during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, in Piscataway, N.J.  Lewis ran for 180 yards and two touchdowns and Pittsburgh ended four years of frustration against Rutgers with a 24-17 victory on Friday night. (AP Photo/Mel Evans) +1 updates

College Football Kickoff: Utah Plays Host To No. 15 Pittsburgh Thursday Night

BOSTON - AUGUST 28:  Randy Couture reacts after defeating James Toney in the first round of their UFC heavyweight bout at the TD Garden on August 28 2010 in Boston Massachusetts.  (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Press Release: Fight Metric Becomes Official Stats Provider Of UFC

More from SBNation.com >


Managers

Ingo_small A.F.

Small Lee Payton