How to Hedge Boxing Bets

Hedging means placing a new bet against your original bet to guarantee yourself some profit (or cut losses), no matter who wins. It’s basically “covering your bases.” In boxing, you might use hedging when circumstances change or if you have a bet alive that you want to secure. For example, imagine you bet \$100 on an underdog at +500 before a tournament. If that fighter reaches the final and is now a -150 favorite in the last fight, you could hedge by betting the other side (their opponent) at -150. By betting on the opponent as well, you ensure that whether the underdog or the opponent wins the final, you’ll make a profit. Essentially you’re locking in a win after a longshot bet goes deep.

When should you hedge?

* After a big line move in your favor: If your fighter’s odds have improved significantly (say your underdog is now favored), hedging the other side can lock profit. * Parlay or futures nearing a win: If you have a parlay with one leg left, or a futures bet close to hitting, many bettors hedge the last fight. For instance, if a 5-leg parlay is riding on the main event, you can bet the other boxer in that event so you win something either way. * During a live fight: If the fight is underway and your pre-fight pick is looking great (or terrible), you might make a live bet on the opposite side to guarantee a result. Live odds can let you hedge if momentum swings.

The key to hedging is calculating stakes so that your profits on one bet cover the losses on the other. You won’t maximize your winnings, but you eliminate risk. Hedging is basically a safety move – it trades some potential profit for certainty. Keep in mind hedging often works best for bets at long odds or parlays where you stand to win a lot; in those cases, locking in a sure win can be very satisfying. Just don’t hedge too early or too often, as excessive hedging can eat into your long-term profits. Used wisely, hedging can be a smart way to secure the bag when a fight (or your bet slip) takes an unexpected turn.

Sources: OddsShopper