2020 Jan 30

Tevin Farmer vs. Joseph Diaz jr

12 rounds, for Farmer's IBF junior lightweight title

Tevin Farmer (30-4) vs. Joseph Diaz jr (30-1) is a very fascinating match-up that started out as a close to 50/50 affair with the online bookies. Since then there have been some big bets placed in Las Vegas and online that has seen Farmer become a clear favourite. The odds currently are Farmer -225 and Diaz jr being priced at +175. During the last 2 years, Farmer has fought 4 times and looked good. He looks to still be improving technically. Diaz jr fought 2 times last year but he did struggle in his last fight against an opponent he should have been able to beat easier. Had this fight taken place 3 years ago we believe that Diaz jr would have been a big favorite but his development have been stagnant the last few years. Not only that but we have to remember that Diaz jr was brought along very carefully by Top Rank, who just might be the best at building up a fighter. Despite that he still looks like he lacks something to compete against the elite guys of the division, just like we saw when he lost to Gary Russel jr. Farmer on the other hand, was not given the special treatment early in his career and he lost several times in the beginning of his journey. Not many fighters are able to come back from a terrible start as a professional boxer and show late development that sees them becoming a World Champion. The timing of the fight seems to favor Farmer as he has more momentum going and he just is in a better place in his career but that doesn't make it a sure win for him. We have to remember that Diaz jr was an outstanding amateur and he has a lot of experience against a variety of styles.

Farmer has worked so incredibly hard to get to this point in his career and it will take a very special performance from Diaz jr if he is to upset Farmer but that is what we see happening here, Joseph Diaz jr rising to the occasion and putting in the performance of his career. The fight will be close, no doubt about it. Our Pick is Joseph Diaz jr to win for a price of +175 (2.75 decimal odds)

The Pick: Joseph Diaz jr to win fight
Odds: +175 (2.75 decimal odds)
Units: 10
Start time: 9pm ET / 6pm PT