Teofimo Lopez vs. Sandor Martin odds, predictions, best bets for 2022 boxing fight

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Teofimo Lopez
(Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images)

Back in New York, the hometown kid in Teofimo Lopez is ready to blow the roof off of Madison Square Garden. The former lightweight champion faces the mighty Sandor Martin on December 10. 

Lopez, the former WBA, IBF, WBO, and The Ring lightweight champion, was crowned champion following a win over the former lightweight king in Vasiliy Lomachenko. He lost it all in his next fight against George Kambosos Jr. 

Now, fighting in a new division, Lopez is ready to take advantage of the Heisman Trophy Presentation and showcase his newfound motivation to a wide audience in front of family and friends.

“This means everything to me,” Lopez stated. “I won my first world title at Madison Square Garden. Who can say that? It’s always been a dream of mine since I was a kid. I always heard from Frank Sinatra himself, ‘If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere,’ and what better place than the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden. To me, I believe that’s where legends are born – they are not made there, but they are born there.”

MORE: Sign up to watch Teofimo Lopez vs. Sandor Martin, exclusively on ESPN+ 

Martin replaces Jose Pedraza, who tested positive for COVID-19. He made his pro debut in 2011. A European Union junior-welterweight champion, Martin is on an eleven-fight win streak. His last fight was a unanimous decision win over Jose Felix Jr. in April. Martin is best known for beating Mikey Garcia into retirement.

This fight may determine the next title contender at junior-welterweight. Lopez is looking to move past the competition, while Martin is not ready to let anyone halt his momentum. 

The Sporting News is here to give some insight on how to bet on this fight. 

Teofimo Lopez vs. Sandor Martin odds

Per BetMGM, Lopez is the -600 favorite, while Martin is the +450 underdog. 

Teofimo Lopez vs. Sandor Martin betting trends

Per BetMGM:

  • Lopez via KO/TKO: +160 
  • Lopez via decision: -120 
  • Martin via KO/TKO: +1400 
  • Martin via decision: +700 
  • Draw: +1800

MORE: How to bet on combat sports

Teofimo Lopez vs. Sandor Martin prediction and best bet

This is a massive fight for both man, as Martin is a tough replacement for Lopez’s original opponent, Jose Pedraza.

Riding an eleven-fight win streak, Martin has found his way to the top of the junior-welterweight division by beating Joe Hughes, Mikey Garcia, and Jose Felix Jr. Although Garcia was in another world during their fight, Martin looked impressive. Per CompuBox, Martin landed 75 of 231 shots (32.5%), the second-most by a Garcia opponent outside of Errol Spence Jr. He was aggressive throughout the bout, even landing 31 punches in the tenth round.  

Martin has solid footwork, quick hands, and speed that can result in good defensive work. He has a killer right hook and can use the jab whenever he is in trouble. That can help, especially with the 0.5-inch reach advantage he’ll have over Lopez. 

Although Martin is the rising star in the division, Lopez is a former champion. 

The 25-year-old dominated against Vasiliy Lomachenko, landing 183 of 659 shots (27.8%). He also landed double-digit shots in the last seven rounds. That includes the 17, 21, and 50 shots he landed in the final three. While he had a better percent mark against George Kambosos Jr. (176 of 565 shots, 31.2%), Lopez struggled to find that signature power and grace fans are used to seeing. 

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Lopez rebounded against Pedro Campa, landing 136 of 321 shots (a hot 42.3%). Landing 50 jabs, Lopez did enough to take Campa out. 

Martin can start slow. If Lopez can take advantage by using his jabs and power shots, he can tire Martin out early.

That is, if Lopez is focused. 

Being the best is one thing. Maintaining that status is another. Winning it back after losing it is a whole other animal. Lopez was at rock bottom. Thanks to time off and training, “The Takeover” is ready to take back his spot at the top. An impressive win over a potential contender in Martin will do just that. 

The Sporting News predicts a close affair, but one that Lopez will ultimately have the edge in. 

Sporting News prediction: Lopez via unanimous decision

When is Teofimo Lopez vs. Sandor Martin?

  • Date: Saturday, December 10 | December 11
  • Start time: 9 p.m. ET | 2 a.m. GMT | 1 p.m. AEDT
  • Main event: 11:30 p.m. ET | 4:30 a.m. GMT | 3:30 p.m. AEDT (approx.)

Lopez vs. Martin takes place on December 10. The main card is expected to start at 9 p.m. ET | 2 a.m. GMT | 1 p.m. AEDT after the Heisman Trophy Ceremony. Lopez and Martin should make their way to the ring around 11:30 p.m. ET | 4:30 a.m. GMT | 3:30 p.m. AEDT, depending on how long the Heisman Trophy Ceremony goes and how long the undercard fights last. 

MORE: TSN Archives: Bowe vs. Holyfield II — When a fan becomes a fanatic (Nov. 22, 1993, issue)

Author(s)
Daniel Yanofsky Photo

Daniel Yanofsky is a combat sports editor at The Sporting News.