The first set of betting odds for the Dec. 18 boxing matchup pitting Deron Williams vs Frank Gore has been revealed. And the former NBA all-star is a sizable favorite to score a win over his NFL veteran foe.
On Saturday, The Athletic was first to announce the scheduling of a bout between five-time NBA all-star Williams and five-time NFL pro-bowler Gore. The four-round matchup will serve as part of the undercard for the Dec. pay-per-view event headlined by YouTuber turned pugilist Jake Paul facing his stiffest test yet in fellow sweet science neophyte Tommy Fury.
Early betting odds for Deron Williams vs Frank Gore have been released
Betting odds are a tradition in professional sports, and combat sports are no different. Despite the ink still drying on the contracts, the odds for this fight between a couple of “big four” sports stars have been released by betting site Oddschecker.
Although these numbers will fluctuate as bets start to come in, the two-time Olympic gold medalist is a -225 favorite. Gore is currently a +185 betting underdog. For the uninitiated, you would have to plunk down $225 on Williams to earn an extra $100 if he wins. On the flip side, if you bet $100 on the former San Francisco 49er, you can bank an added $185 if he were to upset his much taller opponent on Dec. 18.
“These celebrity fights always surprise. It’s 4 rounds of two guys who’ve never been in a boxing match going head-to-head. That truly means that any outcome is possible. For now, Williams is the favorite due to his longer history with combat sports and size advantage. However, it shouldn’t be understated that Gore has learned how to take a hit by playing in the NFL for nearly two decades. It’s going to be hard to knock him out,” said OddsChecker spokesman Kyle Newman in a statement.
Williams will have some key advantages over Gore on fight night
The 6’3″ Williams will have a six-inch height advantage when he and Gore enter the ring for their matchup contested at 210 pounds. The former Utah Jazz point guard will also have a notable edge over his opponent when it comes to combat sports experience. He has a background as a two-time state champion wrestler and a few years of MMA and boxing training under his belt as a co-owner of respected Texas fight gym Fortis MMA.
However, Gore does have some previous boxing training. And since this isn’t an MMA fight that includes grappling, the durability the former NFL star showed as a running back in the league for 16 years could be beneficial if the bout descends into a battle of wills.
Paul vs Fury will take place on Dec. 18 from inside the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. The card will be broadcast on Showtime PPV and cost $59.99.