F.A.Q.

(Q) 

Will the picks be updated if new information comes in?

(A) 

Yes. Any relevant information that may affect the betting value will be added. For example, if a fighter failed or struggled to make weight that may change my view on the outcome of the bout and this information will be posted.

(Q) 

How many fights do you forecast in a year?

(A) 

My goal is to find at least three to five fights every week - out of the hundreds that occur around the world - fights that I consider to be what I call "bettable." By that I mean that the odds-makers, in my view, have either overrated the favorite, or undervalued the underdog. I'm not interested in the "no-brainer" fights where the probable outcome is obvious. Why? Because I'm more interested in making a good profit on a low-risk investment than I am in simply picking winners. So - to sum up - I probably publish forecasts for about 200 bettable fights (give or take) throughout the year.

(Q) 

How will I know when a new forecast is published on your site?

(A) 

I'll send you an email to let you know each time I post a new pick. When you receive it, you should log in, and read the forecast as soon as possible, because the odds may change and any time. Usually it's important for you to act quickly in order to get the best odds.

(Q) 

Do you actually place bets that follow your own recommendations?

(A) 

I make it a point not to discuss my personal activities on this site. My track record speaks for itself. Each of the forecasts that make up the track record have been published on this site, so you can verify the record for accuracy.

(Q) 

I logged in and found that there were no current picks on the site. What's up with that?

(A) 

Most boxing bouts are held on the weekends, some on Wednesdays or Thursdays. I need to see the boxing betting lines before I can decide whether a fight is worth betting on, and many of those lines - especially on low-profile fights - are not posted until fairly close to fight time. I also like to wait to be sure that there is no last-minute information that may affect the outcome of the fight. So usually you will see no current picks on the site on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. And sometimes I may not post my first pick until Thursday.

(Q) 

What do I get with this website that I can’t find on conventional boxing websites?

(A) 

There are many excellent boxing websites on the Internet that provide very good coverage of current events in boxing. And some even offer predictions from knowledgeable boxing aficionados. However, the difference is that this site will provide picks for many more fights than the others and not just the major fights that are televised. Some of the good boxing sites do give predictions on major fights when they arise but Boxing Forecast will usually be able provide multiple picks on a weekly basis. Further, my handicapped fights are tailored specifically for the discerning bettor including my reccomendations on most bettable fights.

(Q) 

What is your winning percentage?

(A) 

The answer to this question is around 55%. But the question itself it meaningless, because I am NOT in the business of picking winners! I am in the business of helping you make money at extremely low risk. As I have said elsewhere on this site, any idiot can have a winning record just by betting on favorites. But it takes a seasoned handicapper - often betting against the odds - to help you make money without risking your neck.

(Q) 

How do you handicap a fight?

(A) 

I gather as much information as I can on the fighters. I will start by pouring over each fighters record and determine whom they have fought, beaten and lost to. I’ll look at age, weight, activity, trainer, amateur background and who is promoting the card. In addition, I’ll look at tangible things like punching power, speed, boxing ability, conditioning, and ability to take a punch as well as style and skills. Heart and desire figure into the equation as well. Also, it’s important to recognize when a fighter is on the rise and when he is slipping. Furthermore, I’ll find out how their training is going for their current fight such as whom they may be sparring with, how conditioning is going and if the fighter is having weight problems. See my Mission Statement link for further explanation.

(Q) 

Is there a wagering strategy used to bet the fights?

(A) 

Yes. The idea is to make money and not be reckless with your money. You shouldn’t bet more than 5% of your total bankroll per bet. For example, if you have an account with $10,000 you really shouldn’t bet more than $500 on a fight. A lot of the picks that you will find on this site will be on underdogs that provide betting value. For example, a wager of $500 on a fighter with odds of + 400 will deliver a potential return of $2000 AND you get you initial wager back as well. You don’t want to chase losses on desperation bets. Historically, over the long haul you will make money. See my link on Money Management for more details on betting strategy.

(Q) 

What qualifies you as an expert boxing handicapper?

(A) 

Experience. I’ve been successfully handicapping fights for over 15 years. I’ve constantly refined my methods and have consistently improved. Initially, I’d be willing to back prohibitive favorites because I was confident of the outcome but I learned through experience that it’s much better, and harder, to find value on underdogs ( although some favorites are still good picks) and back them if it’s right. Why risk a lot to win a little, when small wagers can sometimes give excellent returns. I didn’t start out watching boxing with the objective of becoming a great handicapper. I love boxing. That’s why this came to be. Since I was very young I have consistently watched and read everything I could on boxing. It got to the point where I was able to make strong calculations on who would win fights through strict observation and ultimately intense analysis. I have reviewed so many fights and fighters that I’m able to discern the quality of a fighter by a careful review of his record and all other available information.

(Q) 

How do the odds-makers determine a betting line?

(A) 

As like most sports, odds-makers are looking to create a betting line that will generate betting action on each side. The sports books will often make a profit no matter who wins the fight. Obviously, that is their goal while my objective is to find betting lines that provide great value and solid payouts.

(Q) 

Do you have to see the fighters before you can handicap a fight?

(A) 

No. I’ve successfully handicapped many foreign fights where I had not seen either fighter or had seen only one. Of course, it’s better to see them for handicapping purposes, the more information the better, but if you know what your doing it can still be done successfully. I can glean SO much from their records that I can usually make strong picks even without seeing them first.

(Q) 

How does betting boxing differ from betting other sports?

(A) 

Boxing is not a team sport, which makes handicapping a fight a bit less complex. I believe boxing can offer the best return and most consistent wins if it is bet properly. Most people overlook it because they don’t watch it or don’t have much interest in it. At first glance, it may seem easier for the average guy to bet on team sports because they think they know what is going on. Most people that watch boxing have no idea how to assess the fighters so they bet what they are familiar with and what their friends are doing. But, boxing shouldn’t be given such short shrift because consistent gains can be had if done properly. As for actual betting differences, most team sports are bet on the point spread, which encourages equal two-way action, although a money line is offered on team sports as well. But boxing cannot be given a point spread so the money line is used for all straight boxing bets as well as various proposition bets such as the how the fighter will win i.e. knockout, decision or draw to name a few. Another option on fight betting is a line on the over/under of rounds, which is in money line form.

(Q) 

What types of bets are available in boxing?

(A) 

The straight bet, picking a winner, is done on the money line. For example, if fighter A is - 400 and fighter B is + 300 you have to bet $400 to win $100 on fighter A, while you can win $300 by betting $100 on fighter B. Usually an over/under on rounds will be available. For example, let’s say that under 9 ½ rounds is - 230 while the over bet is +170. You have to lay $230 to win $100 on the under, while you can win $170 on a $100 wager on the over. Also, many proposition bets are offered such as the way a fighter will win or the draw or picking the actual round that a fight will end in by a fighter. Propositions vary depending on the magnitude of the fight. For mainstream fights, there tends to be many more propositions offered. I am of the opinion that the straight bet is generally the best option but there are exceptions on occasion. Some of the more exotic proposition bets are mostly sucker bets.

(Q) 

How do I find a reliable Internet betting site?

(A) 

There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of online sportsbooks that will accept your wagers. As you might expect, not all of them are reliable. For an independent appraisal and rating of sportsbooks, I suggest you visit "sportsbookreview.com." You'll find everything you need to know about selecting a sportbook. P.S.: We have no connection or affiliation with this site.

(Q) 

Why don't the odds you quote in your forecast always match the odds I find at my sportsbook?

(A) 

Each sportsbook publishes it's own lines based upon the bets it receives, so the odds change frequently as the bets come in. I try to find the sportsbook with the best odds I can at the time I write my forecast. But there is no guarantee that the odds at your sportsbook will be the same by the time you place your wager. Sometimes they will be better - sometimes worse. Unfortunately we have no control over this.

(Q) 

Some sportsbooks have betting limits. I would like to bet more money, but I can't. How can I get around this?

(A) 

There are two ways to increase the amount you are able to wager. First, most sportsbooks will accept a new wager each time they update their lines on a particular fight (which they do frequently). So if you have placed a bet at the sportsbook's limit, you need only wait until the lines change to place another bet on the same fight. To exercise more control and flexibility, many bettors open accounts at several sportsbooks, and dividing their wagering dollars among them.

(Q) 

I notice that many sportsbooks do not offer lines on the boxing fights you forecast. Which sportsbooks offer the most boxing betting lines?

(A) 

Because boxing is not as popular a sport for wagering as football, basketball, etc., many sportsbooks do not offer odds on low-profile fights. Here are a few that do: TheGreek.com, bet52.com, 5Dimes.com., sportsbook.com, sportsbetting.com, and 2betdsi.com, and bodoglife.com. If you live outside the USA you might also look into PinnacleSports.com. There are others too. Keep looking. By the way, we have no connection or affiliation with any of these sites.

(Q) 

How can I get the best odds when I bet?

(A) 

There are several sites that gather and publish comparative odds from several betting sites. One site I am familiar with is KO-Odds.com. And there are others. They will show you a list of fights along with a list of sportsbooks offering lines on each fight and the odds they offer. Keep in mind that this is a form of advertising for the sportsbooks, so some of the betting sites that are accepting bets on a particular fight may not be represented.

(Q) 

What sportsbook do you use yourself?

(A) 

I use several betting sites from time to time, depending upon the lines available, betting limits, etc. But I make it a point not to name them on this site for two reasons: (1) Since Boxing Forecast has no business connections with any betting sites, I don't want to be seen as promoting one betting site over another, and (2) I don't want to cause a run on one particular site, which could affect the odds on individual fights.

(Q) 

Why should I bet on boxing as opposed to football or some other popular sport?

(A) 

There are several reasons. For one, boxing is a year round sport so good action will be available throughout the year. Another reason is that betting on boxing will prove to be more profitable than football AND less risky. For example, while football does offer a money line like boxing, most people bet on the point spread and by doing that you generally have to bet $110 to win $100. So you are getting slightly worse than even money on every football bet. With boxing I frequently find value on fighters where your return may be 200% and beyond on your wagers. Lets say that you bet $500 on two fights at + 300 and you win one and lose one. You would win $1500 on one and lose $500 on the other. You still walk away with a net gain of $1000. Now in football you might lay $550 to win $500. Lets say you win one and lose one. You’ll end up down $50 for your trouble. Boxing is often overlooked as a betting option because it’s not as popular as it once was but I believe it is less complex than team sports. Finally, odds makers very often miss the mark when it comes to setting the betting line on boxing because they just don’t know the game that well. That’s where a savvy handicapper can find value on the fights, which is what I do.

(Q) 

Is boxing betting legal?

(A) 

Although I am an attorney, I am NOT an expert on gambling law, so if you have concerns, you should seek the advice of an expert in that field. My personal understanding of the situation is this: Boxing can be bet legally in the USA only in the state of Nevada. Many sports books in the Nevada casinos carry boxing lines. You can bet on boxing in any country where betting parlors are legal such as the U.K. and many Caribbean countries. In addition, the Internet offers many sportsbooks where boxing lines are available. These online sportsbooks are based in countries where sports gambling is legal, and are available to bettors in other countries including the US. Although there is no clear US federal law barring internet gambling by individuals, some states, such as Oregon, do prohibit Internet gambling. You should familiarize yourself with the law in your jurisdiction before placing bets. You may have heard of the Internet gambling law that was passed a few years ago by the US Congress. This prohibits financial institutions from handling Internet gambling transactions. That's why some Internet betting sites will not accept credit card payments from bettors, and some others will not accept bets from US citizens.

(Q) 

I placed a bet with a British sportsbook on a fight that turned out to be a draw, and they treated it as a loss. I thought a draw is supposed to be treated as "no bet."

(A) 

Most books return the wager and rule it a canceled bet. But the British books have a rule that considers a draw to be a loss. US customers are restricted from betting with those books, so we usually bet under Las Vegas rules on the books we use. Under these rules when a straight bet is placed on a fighter, and the fight is a draw, the fight is ruled a "push" or "no bet" and the wager is returned.

(Q) 

I'm from Australia, and would like to bet only with sportsbooks that treat a draw as a canceled bet. Which ones should I use?

(A) 

You can use 5dimes.com, bodog.com the greek.com and hundreds of others. As an Aussie I believe that you can register with any site in the world, unlike US residents. Just stay away from British sites that treat a draw as a loss. Check with the site before signing up.

(Q) 

How do I find a betting site I can trust?

(A) 

This site, http://www.sportsbookreview.com, reviews over 700 online books. It will tell you what countries each site will deal with and you can read the betting rules for boxing and every other sport when you check them out. Plus the books they review are rated from A+ to F, and you can search by ratings. I suggest all bettors research their sportsbooks - especially if they are not happy with their current book. There are a lot of choices.