Flintoff’s maiden bout to end in tears against American novice

Andrew Flintoff makes his professional boxing bow this weekend when he takes on American slugger Richard Dawson at the Manchester Arena.

The bookies are undecided which way this heavyweight bout will swing, pricing both fighters up as 1/1 shots to score the win, while the draw is available at an unusually short 9/1.

At 23, Dawson has 11 years on his adversary and, having no doubt practiced significantly more than the few months Freddie has over the course of his life, must be worth a big bet at this price.

In terms of in-ring experience, the American isn’t too far on from Flintoff; he’s only touched gloves twice in a professional capacity, but years of training will have taught him any amount of things to assist in sinking the 2005 Ashes hero.

The Oklahoman has enjoyed successes in both his fights to date, one of which coming by way of knockout, while the other was a unanimous decision after four rounds.

Youth also gives him a massive advantage in terms of speed and agility. Flintoff is going to be severely lacking in this department after losing a reported three stone courtesy of his corporal fitness regime. This will also have a big impact on his power in the ring and that would appear his biggest asset.

The fight will be contested over four two-minute rounds, essentially making it a prize fight. It seems highly unlikely that Flintoff, no matter how well he’s prepared, will be able to withstand the intensity that accompanies this format and, if Dawson swings hard early doors, he could wrap it up not long after the first bell.

A first round knockout for the American is available as short as 5/1, while the 11/2 that says he’ll outpoint the former England captain is second most likely outcome as far as the betting is concerned.

If Freddie is to pull off the win, it looks as though he’ll be relying on the judges’ scores. It’s 2/1 for him to win on points, whereas his knockout prices start at 14/1 and get steeper as the fight progresses and fatigue kicks in.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date