The odds, which have been posted at all 10 of the MGM Resorts International Race & Sports Books in Las Vegas for the last month, show an increase in momentum for smaller, undefeated WBA, WBC and RING super middleweight world champion Andre "SOG'' Ward (-380) over the bigger man WBC and RING light heavyweight titleholder "Bad" Chad Dawson(+300) in "WARD VS DAWSON: WORLD CHAMPIONS: MADE IN AMERICA" on Saturday, September 8, at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif.
Ward's betting support has seen a late week surge to a four to one favorite over Dawson, pushing the earlier postings of Ward (-340) three-and-a-half to one over Dawson (+280) to a now impressive four to one favorite. The fight opened at a three to one favorite for Ward.
The event is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions in association with Antonio Leonard Promotions and SOG Promotions and sponsored by Corona, City of Oakland, Azad Watches, 95.7 The Game andthe Oakland Tribune.
Tickets priced at $300, $200, $100, $75, $50 and $25 (plus fees) are available for purchase at the Oracle Arena box office or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.
The electrifying match-up is between two of the sports current and best champions in their respective weight divisions. The pressure will mount for Ward, named Boxing Writers of America Association 2012 "Fighter of the Year" early this year, as he faces his toughest challenge in the bigger, stronger Dawson.
"Andre has done a tremendous job throughout his career of demonstrating his skills against the more experienced champions, as well as bigger champions," said Dan Goossen, President of Goossen Tutor Promotions. "The odds are a sign that people are now recognizing the exceptional fighter that he is. There is no doubt in my mind, Andre is going to prove the odds are right on September 8 and take a further step to greatness."
"Once again Chad seems to be the underdog in another big fight situation but that doesn't deter him from believing in his ability to go in the ring and take care of business," said Gary Shaw, President of GSP. "Chad doesn't care that Andre is the favorite, the fight is in his (Ward's) hometown or about his opponent's recent wave of popularity. He is ready to fight and take Andre's titles away from him on September 8. If I were a betting man, I would certainly take the better bet and that is Chad Dawson."