Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz odds and preview

It’s a monster mash this Halloween as two standout gladiators clash for supremacy in a WBA Super Featherweight/WBA Lightweight World Championship event. The once beaten Leo Santa Cruz (37-1-1) and the undefeated Gervonta Davis (23-0) collide in a fight that serves as a career defining moment for both men.

Before the action unfolds, check out our betting odds and pick for this big showdown.

Davis puts his undefeated record on the line

This fight features two top-tier champions with fan friendly styles that has everyone buzzing ahead of fight night on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Davis is a tremendous puncher whose athleticism and explosive power has seen him knock out everyone he’s fought. Santa Cruz is a versatile brawler, but an underrated technician.

Davis is the easy favorite here because it’s easy to buy into his punching power and the fact that he’s the bigger man in the ring. Even though Davis has struggled on numerous occasions to meet the 130 lb. limit, there’s no doubt he’s made his conditioning a focus in his preparation. He’d better hope it pays off, because Santa Cruz is looking to go the distance.

Santa Cruz is built to go the distance

Santa Cruz is not without advantages. He’s a world-class fighter who has faced the better opponents, and his swarming offense is one of the most effective in the lighter weight classes. The Mexican also holds a slight height and reach advantage than Davis, and should have no trouble moving up to 130. The longer this fight goes, the more it favors Santa Cruz.

The going notion is that Santa Cruz needs to put himself in harm’s way to pull off the upset, and a swarmer who can’t hurt his opponent is a knockout waiting to happen. Oddly enough, the over/under for the fight is 10.5 rounds, meaning that there is enough faith in Santa Cruz’s skills to survive. Davis is going to be at his most dangerous in the first six rounds, but if Santa Cruz survives and win at least three rounds, it should make for a potentially dramatic conclusion.

Davis is ripe for an upset

Though Davis is a big favorite, he’s taking a major step up in competition despite the supposed handicap. As long as Santa Cruz can avoid Davis’ power in the early goings, outwork him and stand his ground when he needs to, everything is there for an upset. It’s very tempting to take Davis by KO at -110, but this will be Santa Cruz’s night as he shocks the world with a split decision win.

Pick: Santa Cruz