March can be a rather dull month for betting on boxing online. What's happening around the ring usually takes a backseat to March Madness betting, the start of MLB training camps, and playoff futures in the NBA and NHL. Traditionally, then, promoters usually turn in a schedule through March that's light on marquee matchups. Not in 2022, though.
Three primetime fights are still scheduled to happen this month. The best boxing bets in March include Michael Conlan vs. Leigh Wood (March 12), Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Michael McKinson (March 19), and the matchup everyone's looking forward to most: Josh Warrington vs. Kiko Martinez (March 26). And we've got predictions for each of them!
To start us off, let's have a look at the latest betting odds on boxing for the rest of March 2022:
| Match Date | Favorite |  | | Underdog |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/12/22 | Michael Conlan | -175 | +145 | Leigh Wood |
| 3/19/22 | Vergil Ortiz Jr. | -1000 | +500 | Michael McKinson |
| 3/26/22 | Josh Warrington | -425 | +325 | Kiko Martinez |
All of these boxing odds are accurate entering Monday, March 7. If you're placing a wager on one of these fights anytime thereafter, you will most definitely want to double-check and make sure the above boxing betting lines have not changed. Though they shouldn't drastically move, boxing moneyline betting lines are subject to shift right up until the opening bell.
Before you make your latest boxing picks, however, we recommend going through all of our reviews of the top online sportsbooks. Using our feedback, you'll have no trouble sussing out the best boxing betting sites for 2022.
Can Josh Warrington Maintain the IBF Featherweight Title Belt vs. Kiko Martinez?
We start with the March 26 date between Kiko Martinez (+325) and Josh Warrington (-425), since it's the most marquee matchup on this month's docket. Everyone is waiting with bated breath to see a rematch that actually wasn't guaranteed.
A lot has changed since Warrington and Martinez squared off in 2017. Warrington went on to contend for featherweight titles galore while Martinez, who lost the first battle, spiraled down a rabbit of hole losses in succession.
Still, his downturn didn't last forever, which is why Martinez has earned another featherweight title shot in the first place. He is coming off a big-time victory over Kid Galahad, in a sixth-round knockout that was considered among the largest upsets in 2021. Given how much Martinez has improved as a combination setter and lateral mover, this shouldn't be a match that ends in as obvious of a decision. Warrington won the first fight easily.
Oddsmakers don't quite seem to see it this way, though. Packaging Warrington as a -425 is an overwhelming vote in his favor. And to be fair, his 30-1-1 career record, which includes seven TKOs, speaks for itself. He does a much better job generating top-shelf power and maintaining it through later rounds, proving to be someone who can deliver a one-and-done punch at any point over the course of the fight.
When push comes to shove, we don't trust Martinez's stamina to fend off Warrington. The belt will stay with the current champ.
OSB Prediction: Josh Warrington (-425)
Should Michael Conlan Be Favored to Snag WBA Regular Featherweight Title from Leigh Wood?
Though Michael Conlan (-175) is getting billed as the favorite in this one, many consider him a sneaky underdog. He has dominated when fighting international opponents but largely struggled stateside. Earlier on in his career, he was erratic with hooks and lacked the necessary evasive footwork.
There's also the fact that Leigh Wood (+145) is the more current belt-holder and boasts the better record. He is 16-1 lifetime in the ring, with nearly half of his victories coming by TKO.
But this isn't the same Conlan who we saw fighting years ago. He is stronger, quicker and more accurate. Most importantly, he's better with both hands. That dexterity will come in handy versus an opponent who hasn't fared so great when forced to guard against multiple angles of contact.
OSB Prediction: Michael Conlan (-175)
Does Michael McKinson Stand a Chance vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr.?
Some might be wondering why Michael McKinson (+500) is such a heavy underdog. He enters as a perfect 18-0 for his career, which shouldn't be taken lightly.
The list of his odds? Vergil Ortiz Jr. (-1000) is simply more terrifying.
Not only is the 23-year-old 18-0 in the ring for his career, but every single one of his victories has come by knockout. Ortiz's power is not something McKinson can contend with for an entire match. His skill set is more predicated on outmaneuvering his opponents and waiting for them to mistakes. But Ortiz is not someone who makes many misfires. He fights with a combination of explosion and accuracy not shared by many others—particularly at his age and size.
OSB Prediction: Vergil Ortiz Jr. (-1000)
Take a look at this list of the top online sportsbooks so you can decide which one to use for all of your boxing bets:
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