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Billam-Smith vs Masternak Odds, Preview, Picks & Prediction

Quick Facts

  • Champion Chris Billam-Smith enters is Moneyline favorite (-400)
  • Challenger Mateusz Masternak in first world title shot, is underdog (+300)
  • Billam-Smith defending title for first time

*Odds provided by DraftKings as of 6th December

WBO Cruiserweight Champion Chris Billam-Smith is returning to his hometown of Bournemouth on Sunday, December 10th to make the first defence of his title. He will be taking on Poland’s veteran Mateusz Masternak, who has been waiting for a shot at a world title for a long time. Both have great and varied background stories to reach this point, and this is a tough fight to call.

Billam-Smith vs. Masternak Odds

FighterOdds (To Win, Moneyline)
Chris Billiam-Smith-400
Mateusz Masternak+300

Chris Billam-Smith (18-1, 12KO) will no doubt have massive support as he returns home to Bournemouth to face Mateusz Masternak (47-5, 31KO) at the Bournemouth International Center.

The popularity of Billam-Smith has risen considerably since he won the belt against Lawrence Okolie last May. ‘The Gentleman’ had a coming of age fight to rip the title away from Okolie in front of a noisy and boisterous crowd at the Vitality Stadium. The question now is can he get himself up for a fight against the ‘Master’ from Poland.

The bookmakers certainly think so, as Billam-Smith enters as a moneyline favorite with odds of -400. Billam-Smith has worked his way up the rankings since turning pro, winning domestic and European honors before finally clinching his world title. He has only one blemish on his professional record and has recorded 12 KO’s to date.

If you feel Billam-Smith can stop his opponent, you can bet on him to claim the knockout at odds of +130.

Mateusz Masternak enters this contest with plenty of miles on the clock, and the 36 year old certainly knows his way around the ring. In fact, he has boxed 348 rounds since turning pro in 2006 and definitely carries a lot of power, with 66% of his wins coming via stoppage.

Masternak is also very durable and has only been stopped once in his pro career, which came against Gregory Drozd in October, 2013. He has paid his dues and feels he’s earned this shot at world honors. If you think he can rip the title away, you can bet on an upset at odds of +300. If you think Masternak can use some of that power we’ve mentioned you can bet on him winning by TKO (+650).

Billam-Smith vs. Masternak Prediction

Once again, Billam-Smith will have a loud support roaring him on, and that will no doubt play a factor when he needs a lift. Masternak has a lot of experience, but will be up against it on hostile territory.

Billam-Smith is understandably the favorite with most bookmakers when you consider he has a height and reach advantage, recent good form in becoming champion and is also fighting at home.

When you dig into the stats, you will notice that there actually isn’t a lot that separates both of these men. They are fairly equal in both power and strength, but where the champion will have the edge is his aggression and non-stop style that the Pole may find too hot to handle.

I feel the only chance Masternak has is stopping Billam-Smith, which may force him to apply pressure early. The longer it goes, the more it will suit the Brit as the fresher fighter on home turf.

Considering all of those factors I am going for Billam-Smith to win via a late stoppage.