Abdullaev Seeks Biggest Scalp In Linares
Russian Prospect Can Have Breakout Performance
In what is a prototypical “young lion versus old guard” type of boxing match, Zaur Abdullaev must get past Jorge Linares to proclaim himself a legitimate contender. This will be for Abdullaev’s WBC Silver Lightweight title and the boxing betting odds have this as a pick’em.
- Date: Saturday, 11 a.m. ET
- Venue: RCC Boxing Academy, Ekaterinburg, Russia
- Watch on: ESPN+
Zaur Abdullaev vs Jorge Linares Fight Betting Analysis
- Weight Class: Lightweight (135 lbs)
- Rounds: 12 (Championship Main Event)
- Moneyline: Jorge Linares -115, Zaur Abdullaev -115
- Total: TBD
Jorge Linares (47-6-0, 29 KOs) was, once upon a time, a three-division champion and has shared the boxing ring with the who’s who that includes Rocky Juarez, Vasiliy Lomachenko and, most recently, Devin Haney. The Venezuelan is always a tough customer and if Abdullaev (14-1-0, 8 KOs) hopes to ever score big fights down the road, he will have to get past Linares.
Linares: From Champion to Elite Gatekeeper
Although “just” 36 years old, Jorge Linares is much older in terms of fight years. He has had 53 professional bouts and five of his six losses came via a knockout. He has been boxing since 2002 when his last opponent, Haney, was just 4.
But, despite being a part of the older breed of boxers, Linares has found ways to stay relevant. He was finished by Lomachenko in a bout that was competitive for the most part. Haney didn’t beat him but, rather, survived against him as Linares managed to hurt the blue-chipper early.
What has held Linares back from the cream of the crop would be his chronic recklessness and short reach. At just 69 inches, Linares is typically at a reach disadvantage in his fights. He makes up for these with his pressure fighting and durability. This is what makes him worth betting online as he will mow down unprepared opponents.
Make-or-Break Fight for Abdullaev
Abdullaev is an enigmatic boxer. How good is this kid? On one hand, he hits fast and hard and fights aggressively. On the other, he has mainly fought in Russia against unknown opponents. In his only fight outside of his country, he was stopped by Haney, who is not known for his punching power.
That’s why the online sports betting lines are where they are since we don’t know what we will get from this kid – if he even is one. His reach isn’t even listed but judging by his barrel-chested build, it can’t be that significant and maybe somewhere similar to Linares.
But he’s fighting with a home-turf advantage and he is unbeaten within Russia. With this bout being on ESPN+, Abdullaev’s chance to rectify his only loss is here as he should get past Linares in a crowd-pleaser.
Abdullaev vs Linares: Who Wins?
Will we go with the proven, albeit declining, boxer in Linares or the relatively unknown but rising pugilist in Abdullaev? We’ll lean on Abdullaev for a few reasons: He is younger, has taken less damage over his years and is fighting in his own country. Linares has the experience edge and could be the tougher of the two.
Linares is also hittable. He still has that “kill or be killed” mentality, which is why this fight is not expected to go to the judges (-140). Over 12 rounds, Abdullaev will whittle away at Linares and finish him past the eighth round, though he will have to overcome adversity like most of of Linares’s opponents.
