Emmanuel Rodriguez vs. Ryosuke Nishida Betting Odds and Free Pick

On May 4, 2023, Puerto Rican boxer Emmanuel Rodriguez will face undefeated Japanese southpaw Ryosuke Nishida for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight title at the Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan. 

This fight represents the first title defense for Rodriguez, who regained the IBF belt last August with a unanimous decision over Melvin Lopez. The 31-year-old veteran won the title in 2018, making one successful defense before losing it to Naoya Inoue in 2019. After bouncing back with two wins, Rodriguez finds himself back on top of the 118-pound division.

For Nishida, this fight offers the 27-year-old rising star a chance to capture his first world title. The Osaka native has moved up the rankings quickly, improving his record to 8-0 with 1 KO since turning pro in 2020. His most impressive victory came in 2021 when he dominated former flyweight champion Daigo Higa for 12 rounds. 

With an experienced champion defending his belt on foreign soil against an undefeated opponent from his hometown, this matchup offers a spectacular battle. 

When and Where?

Saturday, May 4, TBA at the Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan

Ring walks time:

(Estimated) 8:00 am ET

Moneyline odds:

Emmanuel Rodriguez 1.45 

Ryosuke Nishida 2.849

Where can I watch it?

PPV and DAZN

Why Bet on Emmanuel Rodriguez?

Emmanuel Rodriguez has established himself as one of the best bantamweight boxers in the world. He first made a name for himself by winning the IBF bantamweight title in 2018 with a unanimous decision win over Paul Butler. Rodriguez defended the title twice against Jason Moloney and then Naoya Inoue. 

Some of the Puerto Rican’s other notable wins have come against Gary Antonio Russell, David Quijano, and George Tahdooahnippah.

After the loss to Roberto Sanchez Cantu, he bounced back with a unanimous decision win over Russell. Throughout his career, Rodriguez has demonstrated excellent boxing skills and power in both hands. His experience against world-class opponents makes him a formidable challenger for any bantamweight champion.

Why Bet on Ryosuke Nishida?

Japanese challenger Nishida is ranked #1 by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) at bantamweight and brings an undefeated record into this world title fight.The 27-year-old southpaw from Osaka has risen quickly through the ranks, already competing in 12-round bouts for just his fourth professional fight. 

Nishida scored a significant victory in April 2021 when he dominated former WBC flyweight champion, Daigo Higa, winning by a wide unanimous decision. That remains his most impressive victory to date. More recently, Nishida earned a 12-round major decision over Mexican Cristian Medina in August 2023. That eliminator fight cemented Nishida as the mandatory challenger for the IBF bantamweight championship.

With an unblemished 8-0 record and world title fight experience under his belt at a young age, Nishida will look to continue his rapid rise against Rodriguez. His slick southpaw style and ability to go 12 hard rounds present a formidable challenge for the champion.

Final Betting Analysis: Emmanuel Rodriguez vs. Ryosuke Nishida

Rodriguez enters the fight as a considerable favorite, which is understandable given his advantage in experience and accomplishments. However, Nishida’s undefeated record and rapid rise in the rankings cannot be ignored. He appears to have the skills and work ethic to potentially pull off the upset.

That said, Rodriguez’s technical boxing skills, along with his power and poise, make him a tough outing for any bantamweight, especially one with only eight professional fights. While Nishida has looked good so far, he’s taking a big step up in competition against a wily veteran who knows how to win at the championship level. 

Look for Rodriguez to use his jab and footwork to control distance and angles in the fight. He should be able to land straight right hands down the middle as Nishida looks forward. Unless Nishida can consistently come in and land left hands, the former should be able to take him out of the area for a clear decision win.

Go for a victory for the Puerto Rican at 1.45. If you bet $100 at such odds, you could get $45 for a total payout of $145.

Emmanuel Rodriguez vs. Ryosuke Nishida Betting Pick: Emmanuel Rodriguez