Josh Taylor vs Teofimo Lopez Betting Picks & Preview (Junior Welterweight, June 10)

Taylor vs Teo: Event Details

There’s a lot going on heading into this fight. From bad blood between the two fighters in press conferences to strange form in their fights leading up to this, it’s hard to know exactly what we’ll get on Saturday night. Throw in a world title, a change of camp for Taylor, and some mentality issues for Lopez, and there’s every chance we’ll have sparks flying in this clash. Just how you can profit from betting apps, we outline below in our Josh Taylor vs Teofimo Lopez betting tips.

Head-to-Head: Taylor vs Lopez

These two have never stepped into the ring together as professionals; however, there’s already plenty of water under the bridge. In the lead-up to this clash, Teofimo Lopez claimed that he wants to “take Taylor’s life,” causing the Scotsman to storm out of their recent press conference. With both men unable to stand the sight of each other, they’ll be more than happy to throw hands on Saturday night.

Latest Taylor vs Lopez Odds

To preface our Taylor vs Lopez predictions, let’s take a look at what the latest boxing odds have to say about this matchup. Here are the current Taylor vs Lopez odds:

• Josh Taylor to win @ 1.57 (4/7)
• Teofimo Lopez to win @ 2.50 (6/4)

According to the bookies, Josh Taylor is the favorite in this clash, but not by much. The Brit is ahead 1.57 (4/7) compared to Teofimo Lopez’s 2.50 (6/4), indicating that this fight is very much winnable for both men. In terms of most likely outcomes, a decision to Taylor leads the odds at 2.62 (13/8).

Josh Taylor’s Recent Boxing Form

It’s been a strange season for Josh Taylor. The veteran is undeniably a world-class champion – he unified the junior welterweight belts and handed first-time losses to the likes of Jose Ramirez, Regis Prograis, and Ivan Baranchyk. However, Taylor has been inactive for a year, causing him to lose all but one of his belts. His last fight was a far-from-convincing split decision win over fellow Brit Jack Catterall, which he was fortunate to have fallen in his favor.

Taylor Advantages Over Lopez

Size and mentality. Josh Taylor is two inches taller, more solidly set, and holds a one-inch reach advantage over Teofimo Lopez. The last time Lopez fought a bigger man, he struggled – typically, Lopez tries to dominate physically, something he’ll be unable to do here. Taylor also has the mental fortitude to remain composed at all times throughout the fight, something that cannot be said of Lopez.

Teofimo Lopez’s Recent Boxing Form

It’s a similar story for Teofimo Lopez. The 25-year-old suffered his first and only loss 18 months ago, with an upset defeat to George Kambosos Jr. Since then, Lopez has been underwhelming – winning two, but not convincingly. The American has even been overheard doubting his own ability and has confessed to some personal struggles recently.

Lopez Advantages Over Taylor

Where Lopez thrives is keeping opponents at range and landing punishing, well-timed strikes as they attempt to close the distance. If Taylor fights the way he usually does – aggressively pushing forward rather than being content on the outside – then Lopez will have an advantage as Taylor approaches. The challenge here is that Taylor has the reach advantage and does not need to close the gap.

Best Josh Taylor vs Teofimo Lopez Predictions

Enough appetizers, let’s get to the main course – what the US boxing bookies have to say and where you should put your money this weekend. Here are our top three Taylor vs Lopez predictions:

Tip #1

Fight to Go the Distance @ 1.57 (4/7)

Teofimo Lopez has declared that he’ll take Taylor’s life, while Josh Taylor has predicted a knockout on Saturday night. We say neither will occur, with the fight going the distance in New York.

Neither fighter has a particularly high knockout percentage, with Lopez at 13/18 and Taylor at 13/19. Considering these stats are from across their entire careers, where they fought much weaker opponents, it’s unlikely either will be able to find a knockout this weekend. Both simply defend too well, and we anticipate this will be a boxing duel as opposed to a slugfest.

Tip #2

Josh Taylor to Win by Decision @ 2.62 (13/8)

We say Taylor will win that duel, as the Scotsman has far more paths to victory. His weight of shot and reach do not bode well for Lopez. Add in the mental edge that Taylor holds, plus Lopez’s propensity to become erratic and open himself up when frustrated, and this should be a fairly clear victory for Taylor. Four of the 32-year-old’s last five fights have ended on the judges’ cards, and it seems to be the standard for Taylor at this level.

High-Odds Tip

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