Editor’s Note: Now, all our premium tools for Fantasy, DFS and Betting are included in one subscription at one low price. Customers can subscribe to NBC Sports EDGE+ monthly ($9.99) or save 20% on an annual subscription ($95.88). And don’t forget to use promo code SAVE10 to get 10% off. Click here to learn more!
-3334 Claressa Shields (11-0: 2 KOs) 5’8” — 68-inch reach –– 26 y/o:
Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Undefeated and Atop P4P Lists, Ferocious Offensive Attack When Needed, Ability to Throw a High-Volume of Strikes Consecutively.
+1000 Ema Kozin (21-0-1: 11 KOs) 5’8” — 23 y/o:
Undefeated, Good Power, Sits on Punches, Expresses a Very Enthusiastic Body Language in Her Fights.
WHO WILL WIN? Claressa Shields, who’s putting her WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring female middleweight titles on the line tomorrow night, has had little to no resistance in her entire career. Also, though this fight’s money line is outlandishly humongous in favor of Shields - which is wild for any sport that involves KOs - I see the outcome being a lot closer than many would expect. With that being said, Shields has one of the best boxing resumes of all-time. She has all the tools on top of being just 26-years-old. The Olympian has the skills to edge out a technical fight, as well as the inner fire to hit the gas and brawl. Kozin will be confident walking into the ring as she has never tasted defeat in her career. Another facet Kozin’s team can lean on is the fact that she will be only the fourth southpaw that Shields has seen in her pro career. Hard to see any real evidence why I would pick against Shields, but no worries bettors, there’s some light in the next segment of this article. Shields Wins The Fight.
FIGHT GOES THE DISTANCE? -225 YES, +175 NO This line is a lot more savory when compared to the straight “to win” money line, and I would take the chance at the +175 Fight Does NOT Go The Distance. Styles make fights and while Shields doesn’t have many KOs on her record, Kozin isn’t fleet of foot and often stands in the pocket counting on her power to establish dominance, which I don’t see discouraging Shields very much. I expect Shields to be a lot more elusive early on and then eventually pin Kozin in a bad spot to force a stoppage. Fight Does Not Go The Distance.
The App is Back! Don’t forget to download the NBC Sports EDGE app to receive real-time player news, mobile alerts and track your favorite players. Plus, now you can check out articles and player cards. Get it here!
-190 Keith Thurman (29-1-1: 22 KOs) 5’7” — 69-inch reach –– 33 y/o:
All the Tools to be a Champion … Again, Several Big Time Fights, Big Power in Right Hand
+160 Mario Barrios (26-1: 17 KOs) 5’10” — 71-inch reach –– 26 y/o:
Uses His Big Frame Properly, Stiff and Stinging Jab, Very Smooth Counter Puncher, Enjoys The Process
WHO WILL WIN? Both men are coming off a loss to the sport’s elite. Thurman lost to an all-time great in Manny Pacquiao who turned back the clock in July 2019 for his last big win. Thurman is returning to the ring for the first time since, which begs the question of ring rust … On the other side, Barrios is only a few months removed from a fight against undefeated boxing phenom Gervonta Davis where he not only received his first professional career knockout loss. The biggest x-factor for me is Barrios moving up to the 147-pound division for the first time in his career. Though he is a long and gangly fighter who’ll have the speed advantage, six months is not enough time to properly add muscle mass. I don’t see Barrios’ power being a factor derailing Thurman’s onslaught. While Barrios punches down the middle as opposed to Thurman’s loopy power shots, I expect Thurman to absorb Barrios’ best shots while he rediscovers his rhythm and timing. Thurman will be the hardest hitter Barrios has faced, especially if Thurman can land his huge looping right. Thurman Wins The Fight.
FIGHT GOES THE DISTANCE? -162 YES, +120 NO Though Barrios may be in over his head in terms of being able to earn his opponents respect with power shots, I still got Barrios being the warrior that he is and making it to the final bell. I also expect Thurman to take three to four rounds to find his footing before going to work on Barrios. It’s going to be a great fight and it’s highly unlikely we get a stoppage inside the distance as we’re getting a clash of two championship-caliber fighters. Fight Goes The Distance.
PointsBet is our Official Sports Betting Partner and we may receive compensation if you place a bet on PointsBet for the first time after clicking our links. NJ, IA, IN, IL, CO, MI, VA, WV only. 21+. T&C apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
