Best boxing picks

WHERE: Manchester Arena, Manchester, United Kingdom

WHEN: Saturday, Dec 18

Saturday night sees the 21,000 capacity Manchester Arena play host to a rematch that seemingly few - other than Chisora himself - felt necessary.

While the meeting between New Zealander Parker (29-2, 21 KOs) and Chisora (32-11, 23 KOs) was entertaining and fiercely competitive throughout, it appeared that the former was a worthy beneficiary of the split-decision verdict, despite suffering a knockdown in the very first round.

Nonetheless, ‘Del Boy’, of London, England, will have his sights on settling the score in what - at the age of 37 - could be his last opportunity to headline an arena main event. The man nicknamed ‘War’ has been installed as a +200 outsider here, suggesting he has a 33% chance of winning.

At -225 (69% implied probability), the layers make Parker a firm, albeit not prohibitive, favorite to come out on top once again. Now under the tutelage of former world middleweight champion Andy Lee and training alongside WBC champion Tyson Fury, the Kiwi should be expected to be well-prepared for the task ahead.

With 21 stoppages in 29 wins, Parker has dispatched 72% of opponents inside the distance, but Chisora’s 11 defeats don’t always tell the story of a man who has perennially proven to be a tough nut to crack. Worth noting is the fact that of those 11 only 3 of the underdog’s losses have come before the final bell.

After 43 bouts and 280 professional rounds, there’s a chance that Chisora’s engine could finally start to stutter - and in heavyweight boxing it takes just one punch - but the most likely outcome here is that Parker prevails with another points nod, perhaps much clearer this time around. At +150 (40%) the price is an acceptable one.

Parker vs Chisora pick: Joseph Parker to win by decision or technical decision +150

WHERE: Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida, USA

WHEN: Saturday, Dec 18

Boxing purists will balk at the sight of Saturday’s other high-profile rematch, but the hastily-arranged second clash between YouTuber Jake Paul (4-0, 3 KOs) and former UFC star Tyron Woodley (0-1) will attract more attention than any other fight this weekend.

Woodley, once a feared mixed martial artist, was drafted in as a stand-in opponent for Paul following the late withdrawal of Tommy Fury, despite the fact that the two only fought for the first time in late August in a largely forgettable affair.

Paul has attempted to ramp up interest in an unavoidably short-notice promotion by placing a $500,000 bounty on his head - in addition to Woodley’s regular purse - should he be knocked out, but the lingering feeling remains that viewers should expect more of the same.

Having defeated Woodley by split-decision last time out, and with his considerable network backing, it should be no surprise that Paul is the favorite here, with his quote of -225 representing a 69% chance that he emerges the victor for a second time. The 24-year-old - notably still to face a professional boxer thanks to the cancellation of the Fury contest - is priced at +140 (42% implied win probability) to again claim a decision win and +210 (a 32% chance) to notch his fourth stoppage.

Given the disparity in their professional combat sport experiences, underdog backers will no doubt cast an eye at Woodley outright (+225, 31%), and possibly a closer one still at the +350 (22%) for the upset KO - especially given the additional cash incentive on offer for their man - but the defensively-minded ‘Chosen One’ has frequently cut a frustrating figure when it comes to forcing the issue.

Paul vs Woodley pick: Fight to go the distance -110