Lumping Money on Lopez: Fights Claggett in Title Fight
Lopez vs Claggett Prediction
Teofimo Lopez defends his WBO Lightweight title against Steve Claggett in Miami this Saturday.
The former three-belt holder, who defeated Vasyl Lomochenko, is on his journey to get back to the top of the division.
We have our Lopez vs Claggett prediction, as the -1000 favorite looks to sweep past +600 underdog Claggett.
Lopez vs Claggett
📍Location: James L Knight Center in Miami, Florida
⏰Day/Time:
📺Streaming: ESPN+
Can Claggett Do the Unthinkable?
Canadian boxer Claggett has yet to face anyone in the same realm as Lopez, which could spell danger signs.
His boxing schedule has been busy, but he comes off an easy fight against Marcos Barraza, and that form is unlikely to match up well against Lopez.
However, we were more impressed when he defeated Miguel Madueno in November, which showcased his ability.
He dominated on the judges’ scorecards, so if he can win rounds against Lopez, he could score a decision victory.
That will be easier said than done against a world class fighter, who was once at the top of the sport.
He says he approaches every fight with importance, according to the latest boxing news.
“Every fight I have ever been in my whole life, I treated it like it was the biggest fight of my life. This fight is a huge fight, a great opportunity. But, it is being treated, as I said, like I have treated every fight, like the biggest fight of my life,” Claggett said.
The 35-year-old, who is unlikely to ever be in this position again, is 38-7-2. Having 38 wins on your record, with 26 coming by knockout, can’t be overlooked.
Our Lopez vs Claggett prediction is that he goes deep into the fight, but it won’t be an easy fight for the challenger.
Just a Minor Road Block For Lopez
We can’t see Lopez finding this fight too tough, and that’s reflected with his boxing odds.
The American 26-year-old suffered his only career loss to George Kambosos, but he had legitimate excuses for the loss.
Since then, he has posted four consecutive wins over Pedro Campa, Sandor Martin, Josh Taylor, and Jamaine Ortiz.
Those are some tough fights, and the only time he was tested came against Martin, who has 40 wins and two losses on his record.
The -1000 odds are reflective of his talent as the WBO champion, but he’s not overlooking the challenge Claggett presents.
“Steve Claggett brings a lot to the table,” Lopez said. “It’s a tough, competitive fight. He’s tough opposition for me. He comes forward. He knows how to cut the ring off. Honestly, he doesn’t stop. I’ve seen him stop a lot of fighters from that pressure.
“He’s faced former world champions; he’s defeated number-one contenders; he’s made it look easy knowing damn well they’re not easy fighters to defeat. The guy is a natural 147-pounder coming to 140, so it’s definitely a big fight for me.”
It’s good that he’s not taking Claggett lightly, and our Lopez vs Claggett prediction expects him to take it cautiously to start before going for the hammer later in the fight.
Lopez Looking for Late Knockout
We expect the champion to get his way into the fight before going for the knockout in the latter stages.
Our Lopez vs Claggett prediction has Lopez scoring by knockout in Round 9, which pays a healthy +1000.
By that time, Claggett will be tired and susceptible to a late knockout. Bettors get value odds, and although it’s not an easy bet to cash, the odds are worth taking.
Lopez is also worth including in parlays at -1000, and the -140 to win by knockout in any round is an excellent price.
Bigger fights are on the cards for Lopez, and he’s making his way back up the lightweight rankings.
For Boxing betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
