Hopkins Huge Draw With Bettors: Wants Joe Calzaghe Next
Bernard Hopkins win over Winky Wright Saturday night proved to be one of the biggest draws among gamblers for boxing in recent memory outside of an international oriented bout like that we saw with Ricky Hatton of Manchester, England a few weeks back.
“It was an amazing weekend in terms of traffic for this fight,” disclosed bet33.com’s Senior Manager, Zack Williams.
The Hopkins fight has topped all other bets this weekend including the British Open.
Bernard Hopkins came out of retirement at age 42 to put an end to Winky Wright’s 7½-year unbeaten streak.
Now the patient, defensive master who outboxed Wright for a unanimous decision at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on Saturday night is looking to take on an undefeated Welshman for the next chapter in the twilight of his career.
“I want Joe Calzaghe next,” Hopkins said of the Welsh 168-pound champion. “Tell him to come over here, and I’m going to beat him, too.”
Hopkins (48-4-1, 32 KOs) was triumphant after picking at a gash that opened over Wright’s left eye with a head-butt in the third round. Wright (51-4-1) scrambled and counterpunched, but couldn’t get away.
Wright grew frustrated and tired in the late rounds, and Hopkins stuck with a steady strategy in a light-heavyweight fight featuring more action than most expected from two guarded counterpunchers. Wright was active and resilient, but Hopkins usually was a half-step ahead.
Judges Glenn Trowbridge and Dave Moretti scored it 117-111 for Hopkins, and Glenn Hamada scored it 116-112. The Associated Press also gave it to Hopkins, 115-113.
The fight itself had fans frustrated also, wanting more fire despite Hopkins resiliency.
Outside of the Hatton bout, Mixed Martial Arts has taken center stage with gamblers in recent months, and it is not just exclusive to UFC events.
Bet33.com is offering a whole slew of betting odds on upcoming UFC bouts beginning in late August in addition to what has become one of the most anticipated Mixed Martial Arts events, Kimbo Slice vs Tank Abbott slated for September 28.
“Kimbo Slice’s bout with former boxer Frank Mercer drew massive interest here at Bet33.com,” commented Williams.
The later part of August right through September will be jam packed with UFC and other MMA events, creating a virtual betting frenzy for sports bettors and MMA fans alike.
