The world’s No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer, Floyd Mayweather Jr., is set to step back into the ring to put his WBC Welterweight title – and his precious 45-fight unbeaten record – on the line against WBA Welterweight champ Marcos Maidana on May 3 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Despite being valued as a long-shot underdog in this fight at +650, Maidana represents a dangerous challenger for Mayweather. Still, it would take something special from the Argentinian to finally put a blemish on “Money’s” perfect record. Read on for everything you need to know to bet this intriguing match up.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Marcos Maidana Betting Preview
When: Saturday, May 3, 2014, 9:00 PM EST
Where: MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas
Line: Floyd Mayweather Jr. (-1000) vs. Marcos Maidana (+650) – view boxing lines here
Betting on Marcos Maidana
The 30-year old Maidana has a career record of 35-3 with 31 KOs. He’s currently on a four-fight win streak, which includes his dominant, unanimous win by decision over the previously undefeated Adrien Broner – as a +300 underdog no less – to claim the WBA Welterweight strap.
Strength – Knockout Power
[sc:Other240banner ]Many are calling Maidana Mayweather’s “toughest opponent ever” because of the Argentinian’s immense punching power. His 82% knockout percentage is one of the highest for any Mayweather opponent.
Maidana put this power on full display during the Broner fight, where he connected on 231 power punches and knocked his opponent down twice. A single blow to Mayweather’s chin could be all Maidana needs to end – or at the very least, alter – the fight in his favor. Maidana is +800 to win via KO/TKO.
Weakness – Boxing
While Maidana is a powerful puncher, he isn’t the most incredible boxer. He’s definitely not in the same stratosphere as Mayweather, certainly. But then again, who is? Maidana’s power will prove useless if he can’t hit Mayweather, as Canelo Alvarez found out in his fight with “Money.”
Like Maidana to overcome his weaknesses and catch Mayweather off guard? The odds would pay you $65 on a $10 bet. Create your betting account today, claim a 50% deposit bonus up to $250, and get into the action today.
Betting on Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Mayweather hardly needs any introduction. He’s unbeaten in 45 professional fights, 26 of which he won by KO, and he is the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. His won his last fight was in September against highly-touted contender Saul “Canelo” Alvarez via majority decision, and was completely dominant throughout the fight.
Strengths – Everything else
Maidana may have edge in power, but Mayweather is better at just about everything else. His defense is unparalleled in the sport, while his speed and quickness have no signs of slowing down even at age 37.
Mayweather has faced supposed knockout artists like Ricky Hatton and Diego Corrales in the past. He simply tired them out until finishing them via TKO.
Weakness – Chin (?)
Finding a weakness to Mayweather’s game is nitpicking at best. But one potential weakness, given Mayweather’s advancing age, is his ability to take a punch. That said, we can barely say that, as Mayweather’s expert defense is so good that he hardly gets tagged at all. However, a well-placed right hand from a power puncher like Maidana could cause “Money” some problems.
Writer’s Prediction
Maidana’s power could trouble Mayweather, but Alvarez packed power and Money toyed with him throughout their match. Mayweather will do what he always does: dominate the fight and win convincingly.
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