ESPN has a great fight card on Saturday, August 17 in Los Angeles. Headlined by Emanuel Navarrete versus Francisco De Vaca, three other terrific matches take place: Chris Van Heerden-Aslanbek Kozaev, Arnold Barboza Jr.-Jorge Luis Rodriguez, and Jessie Magdaleno-Rafael Rivera. Check out the analysis and free picks for four of the top boxing betting matchups on this Saturday, August 17!
Top Boxing Betting Picks for the Week – August 12th
Saturday, August 17
Chris Van Heerden vs Aslanbek Kozaev
- Where: Los Angeles, CA
- TV: ESPN
- Live Stream: WatchESPN
The South African fighter Van Heerden brings an impressive 27-2-1 record into his battle with Kozaev on August 17. Van Heerden has knocked out 12 of his opponents. He hasn’t lost since the great Errol Spence Jr. beat him back in 2015.
Kozaev has a 33-2-1 record. Only 8 of Aslanbek’s victories have come via knockout. This should be a great fight to start off the main card. Van Heerden gets the edge because he’s fought the better opponents. Heerden takes this via decision.
Boxing Betting Pick: Chris Van Heerden
Arnold Barboza Jr. vs Jorge Luis Rodriguez
At 21-0 with 8 knockouts, Arnold Barboza Jr. could take another step towards a title shot if he beats Jorge Luis Rodriguez on Saturday. Barboza Jr. has won 2 of his last 3 fights via KO and TKO.
Jorge Luis Rodriguez is 25-13-1. The 32-year-old Mexican fighter lost a unanimous decision to Antonio Orozco in his last battle in March. The only time he’s won in his last 6 fights is when he’s fought at the Arena El Jefe in Monterrey, Mexico. Barboza Jr. wins via knockout or technical knockout.
Boxing Betting Pick: Arnold Barboza Jr.
Jessie Magdaleno vs Rafael Rivera
Jessie Magdaleno has a nice 26-1-0 record. He’s knocked out 18 of his opponents. The loss happened to Isaac Dogboe, which means he’s kept excellent company.
Rafael Rivera, 27-3-2, has a nice record. Unfortunately, the 3 losses have happened in Rivera’s last 5 fights. He just hasn’t battled boxers on Magdaleno’s level. This shouldn’t go the distance.
Boxing Betting Pick: Jessie Magdeleno
Emanuel Navarrete vs Francisco De Vaca
27-1 Emanuel Navarrete might be one of the top all-around fighters in the world right now. He last fought Isaac Dogboe on May 11, beating that opponent via TKO. Navarrete is tall for a bantamweight at 5’7”. The champion has a 72” inch reach.
Francisco De Vaca only has a 65 ½” reach. De Vaca must find a way to get inside of Navarrete’s arms. If he can establish position there, he might be able to do some damage. Although De Vaca is a very good fighter, Navarrete’s reach advantage should be too much to overcome. The champ takes this.
Boxing Betting Pick: Emanuel Navarrete
