Top Boxing Matches to Bet On: Thurman Returns to the Ring Against Barrios

mybookie App Download App

Download Remind me later

Boxing fans must decide which card, DAZN’s or Fox PPV’s, has the better fights. DAZN has the championship bout between Carlos Cuadras and Jesse Rodriguez. But Fox PPV showcases some of the best pugilist on the planet. Luis Nery, Leo Santa Cruz, and Abel Ramos battle in warm-up events before Fox PPV’s main throw down between Keith Thurman and Mario Barrios. Check out Boxing Lines, analysis, and free picks for six of Saturday’s top boxing events.  

Top Boxing Events: Mario Barrios vs Keith Thurman Highlights Saturday Action

Liam Williams +270 vs Chris Eubank Jr. -340

• When: Saturday, Feb. 5

This match happens in Cardiff, Wales. So make sure to bet it early if you want to get some action on the bout.

Liam Williams is 23-3-1 with 18 knockout victories. He last fought on April 17, 2021 in a losing effort to then 29-0 Demetrius Andrade. The fight happened in the U.S. So Williams should be more comfortable in his return to the ring since this happens in Wales.

But although Williams will fight hard, he shouldn’t have much shot versus Chris Eubank Jr. The prolific boxer is 31-2 with 23 knockout wins. Eubank Jr.is on a 5-match winning streak and hasn’t lost since 2018. He should handle Williams. 

Boxing Pick: Chris Eubank Jr.  

Abel Ramos -500 vs Lucas Santamaria +350

• When: Saturday, Feb. 5

Abel Rams hopes to keep it going in what should be an intriguing fight. Ramos bounced back from a split-decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2020 with a 6-round stoppage over Omar Figeuroa Jr. in 2021.

At the time, Figeuroa had just a single loss on his record. But although Ramos fought great, we must put the win in perspective. Omar had gotten into the ring against Ramos after losing to Yordenis Ugas. 

Figeuroa may have returned too soon. In any case, Ramos should beat Lucas Santamaria, but he’s offering underlay odds. The dog has just 2 losses on his record and beat Devon Alexander last August. 

Boxing Pick: Lucas Santamaria  

Carlos Castro +135 vs Luis Nery -165

• When: Saturday, Feb. 5

Hard-hitting Luis Nery looks to bounce back after a tough seventh round loss to Brandon Figueroa last May. Nery is a brawler, which is one of the reasons he ended up losing to the taller Figueroa. 

But on Saturday, Nery fights another taller fighter. Carlos Castro is at least 2-inches taller than Nery. Castro is also 27-0 with 12 knockout victories. The odds make the underdog the play. 

Boxing Pick: Carlos Castro  

Carlos Cuadras +255 vs Jesse Rodriguez -330 | WBC Junior Bantamweight Title – 12 Rounds 

• When: Saturday, Feb. 5

Undefeated Jesse Rodriguez is 14-0 with 10 knockout wins. Rodriguez heads into this looking like an easy winner, but before dumping on Jesse, it’s important to note that he has yet to face a truly gifted boxer.

Carlos Cuadras lost his last fight to Juan Francisco Estrada. Estrada is one of the best pound-for-pound boxers on the planet. Cuadras, no doubt, will be tough to beat. However, the underdog hasn’t fought in close to 2 years. 

Rodriguez laces up the gloves after an October 2020 bout. The favorite should prevail.  

Boxing Pick: Jesse Rodriguez  

Keenan Carbajal +850 vs Leo Santa Cruz -1260

• When: Saturday, Feb. 5

For the first time since his 2020 loss to Gervonta Davis, Leo Santa Cruz will step into the ring. Davis decimated Santa Cruz with a ridiculous left hook.

One of the rules in boxing is that you never throw the same punch twice. Leo forgot that rule and Gervonta made him pay. 

Up until the left hook that ended Cruz’s night, he had stood his ground with Gervonta. Keenan Carbajal, although he has a fantastic 23-2-1 record, should have no chance versus Leo Santa Cruz. Unless the layoff affects Cruz, he should easily win. 

Boxing Pick: Leo Santa Cruz  

Mario Barrios +160 vs Keith Thurman -190

• When: Saturday, Feb. 5

Like Leo Santa Cruz, Barrios fought Gervonta Davis well until Davis caught him. In his bout versus Gervonta, Barrios didn’t fold until the eleventh round. Up until the loss, Mario had a fantastic 26-0 record.

Thurman is 29-1. The loss happened in his last bout versus Manny Pacquiao. The fight took place way back in 2019. 

Barrios is one of the better fighters in the welterweight division. Believing you can beat a fighter like Barrios after close to a 3-year layoff without a tune up fight implies hubris. Mario wins. 

Boxing Pick: Mario Barrios

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?

Bet Boxing Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Match

Boxing Betting Center

Updated Boxing Betting Odds! | Betting Odds