Elwin Soto vs. Katsunari Takayama – May 8, 2021

Elwin Soto puts his WBO junior flyweight title on the line against Japan’s Katsunari Takayama this Saturday, May 8, at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. 

The bout takes place on the chief supporting slot for the huge super-middleweight unification bout between Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders. For more on the big clash, check out my Canelo vs. Saunders predictions and pick.

But for now, the focus is betting on Soto vs. Takayama. So, if you’re looking for the odds for Soto vs. Takayama, and the best bets, stick with me. I’ll also provide a little analysis on the fight that will hopefully help you win your bets on the night.

By the end of this piece, you’ll have the odds, best bets, predictions, and my betting pick for Elwin Soto vs. Katsunari Takayama.

If you’re ready to kick things off, keep scrolling.

As this betting preview progresses, I’ll be explaining why my Soto vs. Takayama betting pick is geared towards the Mexican to win on points.

I have valid reasons for predicting a comfortable win for Soto while refraining from backing him to win by KO.

More on that later. First, let’s see those odds and best bets for Soto vs. Takayama.

World Title action on the #CaneloSaunders undercard this Saturday ? @DAZNBoxing #SotoTakayama pic.twitter.com/tYeus0HAfi

— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) May 5, 2021

So, here are the odds for the best Canelo-Saunders undercard scrap.

As you can see, Soto’s odds to beat Takayama make him a considerable favorite. The defending champion is considered a class above his Japanese opponent, and the betting line for Soto-Takayama clearly backs this up.

Takayama’s odds to beat Soto are +700, which would make many faithful bettors happy if he could pull off the victory.

However, it’s difficult to see how the former WBO minimumweight champion can emerge with the “W.” He doesn’t have the power to trouble Soto, and I’m not convinced that his boxing skills will be enough to overwhelm the junior flyweight titlist. 

With all that in mind, let’s see what Soto vs. Takayama wagers do make sense.

If you’re looking to bet on Soto vs. Takayama, I’d recommend taking the Mexican to win by decision.

Soto’s odds to take the victory on the scorecards are +240, which is great value. Even though he has the power to end the contest within the distance, I think Takayama’s patience and defense see him to the final bell.

Therefore, betting on Soto vs. Takayama to go the distance is well worth a shot. If the fight goes to the judges, regardless of who wins, you win your bet. 

The smartest bet to place on the fight would be the fight to end over 7.5 rounds. There is always a danger that the pressure from Soto will lead to Takayama buckling in the latter rounds, but he should have the durability to go past seven and a half rounds.

Soto has looked solid since picking up his title using a cutting 12th-round knockout over Angel Acosta in 2019.

Since then, he has established himself as one to watch, collecting a couple of defenses of his strap.

Although he has the pop to end this one in the later stages of the fight, I think we’ll see a committed but patient Soto in there. As well as wanting to make a big impression on the night, the Matchroom Promotions fighter will also be keen to showcase his boxing skills.

Soto will be simply too precise on the night. I’m predicting a unanimous decision win for “La Pulga.”

Whether you are looking to place a cheeky bet on Soto vs. Takayama or are betting big on Canelo vs. Saunders, your bookie must be up to the task.

You can find the best odds for boxing this weekend via our recommended online betting sites. More than this, you can also find plenty of markets to choose from for more of the top fights to bet on in May 2021.

Feel free to give our top sites a look before you hit “bet” on those wagers.