Two prominent figures in the boxing realm, Terence Crawford and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, are slated for a Saturday showdown at Allegiant Stadium, situated in Las Vegas, marking it as a highlight match of the year.
A number of individuals with financial stakes will be keenly observing the proceedings.
A gambler utilizing BetMGM has placed a substantial $2 million stake on Crawford to emerge victorious, with odds set at +140 as of Friday evening. Should Crawford triumph, the payout would amount to $2.8 million, representing the most sizable reported wager on this particular contest.
Concurrently, a separate bettor at Caesars Palace, also situated in Las Vegas, has committed $715,000 on Crawford securing a win at the same odds of +140, entailing a payout exceeding $1 million (specifically, $1.001 million). Further sportsbooks have similarly documented six-figure wagers favoring Crawford.
“We have recently processed a significantly large wager backing Crawford for the win, including a knockout,” conveyed Andrew Babakitis, risk manager at the Westgate Las Vegas Super Book, in a text message to Yahoo Sports on Friday afternoon. “Consequently, Canelo’s odds have adjusted from -180 to -160. We have recorded triple the wager volume on Crawford. The book incurs losses if either fighter wins by knockout, implying that we are likely relying on a decision outcome to secure a win on the match.”
Alvarez initially debuted as a -200 favorite at BetMGM, but has since adjusted to -150 on the three-way line, while Crawford began as a +175 underdog, presently standing at +150. Although only 23% of wagers favor Alvarez, approximately half of the total monetary volume wagered (42%) at BetMGM is allocated to Canelo. Conversely, the general betting demographic is supporting the underdog, with 33% of wagers directed toward Crawford’s victory.
As of Friday morning, almost half of the bets (44%) and the aggregate monetary value wagered (44%) were predicated on a tie outcome.
