Betting tips from AI for Taiga Imanaga vs Eridson Garcia, 27 December 2025.

This 10-round lightweight scrap is a classic prospect-veteran clash: unbeaten Japanese southpaw Taiga Imanaga brings 9-0 (5 KOs) power and a forward, late-finishing style, while gritty Dominican southpaw Eridson Garcia (22-1) stepped in late and looks sharp on paper. Bookmakers make Imanaga the clear favorite at 1.46, with Garcia priced at 2.75 and a draw at 19.00.

I side with Imanaga. Analysts and 86% of fans expect him to outwork Garcia into the championship rounds, and his unbeaten trajectory plus youth and finishing instinct make a late-round KO or decision likely. Garcia’s experience and southpaw craft create danger, but the late replacement factor and Imanaga’s momentum give the Japanese fighter the edge for a profitable $1 win bet.

Taiga Imanaga, the unbeaten Japanese prospect, enters this unofficial WBA title eliminator as the clear favorite at 1.46, and for good reason. Despite Eridson Garcia's impressive 22-1 record and his manager's confidence, Imanaga holds significant momentum and the backing of analysts who foresee a late knockout victory for him, specifically in rounds 7-9.

Garcia stepping in as a late replacement, even with his manager claiming "peak shape," might affect specific fight preparation. Imanaga's youth, undefeated status (9-0, 5 KOs), and aggressive southpaw style are expected to outpace Garcia's power.

With bookies and 86% of fans aligning with this sentiment, Imanaga is the safer and more probable bet for this Riyadh spotlight clash.

This lightweight clash features unbeaten Japanese prospect Taiga Imanaga (9-0, 5 KOs) against late replacement Eridson Garcia (22-1), a seasoned Dominican southpaw. While Garcia brings experience and power, stepping in after Armando Martinez withdrew, Imanaga's technical precision and home-crowd advantage on Naoya Inoue's undercard gives him the edge. The 1.46 odds favoring Imanaga reflect the boxing community's confidence, with 86% of fans expecting him to prevail.

Garcia's manager Bobby Harrison believes his fighter is primed for this opportunity, but the level jump to face a rising star like Imanaga is significant. The betting value isn't with the favorite at those odds, but Garcia's 2.75 underdog price doesn't offer enough compensation for the risk. Expect Imanaga's superior footwork and timing to neutralize Garcia's power, leading to a late-round stoppage as analysts predict, likely between rounds 7-9.

In this electrifying lightweight clash on Naoya Inoue's Riyadh undercard, unbeaten Japanese prospect Taiga Imanaga (9-0, 5 KOs) faces gritty Dominican southpaw Eridson Garcia (22-1), who stepped in as a late replacement after Armando Martinez's withdrawal. Both 26-year-old Imanaga and 31-year-old Garcia wield dangerous left hands in this 10-round unofficial WBA title eliminator, but the matchup screams prospect-versus-veteran thriller.

Garcia's manager Bobby Harrison boasts his fighter's in peak shape, hungry for a global breakout alongside Inoue. Yet, analysts and 86% of fans lean toward Imanaga's superior pace and power, predicting a late knockout in rounds 7-9. The odds reflect this favoritism at 1.46 for Imanaga versus 2.75 for Garcia, making the Japanese star the value play for bettors seeking steady returns.

Imanaga's undefeated streak and home-country hype should see him outlast Garcia's early aggression, securing a decision or stoppage win. This bout has fireworks potential, but the smart money rides on the rising star.

In a high-stakes lightweight clash on Naoya Inoue's undercard, unbeaten Japanese prospect Taiga Imanaga 1.46 faces gritty Dominican veteran Eridson Garcia 2.75, who stepped in as a late replacement after Armando Martinez withdrew. Both southpaws bring power, but analysts favor Imanaga's youth and 9-0 record for a late knockout, with 86% of fans backing him.

Garcia's manager raves about his peak shape, yet the odds reflect Imanaga's dominance as an unofficial WBA eliminator heats up. For betting value, Imanaga at 1.46 offers a reliable profit path, while Garcia's underdog story is riskier despite his 22-1 resume.

This Riyadh showdown between Taiga Imanaga and Eridson Garcia has all the makings of a classic southpaw battle, but the betting lines tell a clear story. Imanaga enters as a heavy favorite at 1.46, while Garcia’s upset bid is priced enticingly at 2.75. Despite Garcia's impressive 22-1 record and his manager's confidence, this late-notice replacement fight against an undefeated prospect like Imanaga poses significant risks for the Dominican.
Imanaga's rise through the ranks has been methodical, with five knockouts in nine fights showcasing both power and precision. Analysts leaning toward a late stoppage seem to recognize his ability to break down opponents over time. Meanwhile, Garcia's strength lies in his pressure and veteran savvy, but stepping into a high-stakes environment on short notice could expose cracks under Imanaga’s calculated offense. The Japanese fighter’s technical edge and fresher preparation give him the upper hand here.
The odds reflect this dynamic well—betting on Garcia might yield higher returns at 2.75, but the likelihood of Imanaga controlling the pace and wearing Garcia down makes that risk hard to justify. With 86% of fans backing Imanaga, it’s clear where the smart money is going. A bet on Imanaga may not offer massive payouts, but his consistency and favorable matchup metrics make him the safer, more profitable choice.