Boxing: How to bet the Crawford-Postol fight

What: Terence Crawford vs. Viktor Postol in junior welterweight unification bout

When: Saturday, 9 p.m. ET

Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas

TV: HBO pay-per-view

Odds: Crawford -800, Postol +550; Rounds 10.5 (Over -190, Under +170)

Odds courtesy of William Hill US

Over the past couple of years, Terence "Bud" Crawford has entered the proverbial "pound-for-pound" conversation as one of boxing's most skilled fighters regardless of weight class.

Crawford has done so with a series of solid but mostly unspectacular efforts against primarily second-tier opponents, but the WBO light welterweight champ has a chance to improve his profile Saturday night.

Crawford (28-0, 20 KOs) faces fellow undefeated WBC titleholder Viktor Postol (28-0, 12 KOs) in a pay-per-view unification bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The Omaha, Neb. native is a massive favorite to remain undefeated and give his Ukrainian opponent the first blemish on his record.

Most observers were surprised to see this matchup on a pay-per-view card, as the general consensus is neither fighter is enough of a household name to generate PPV buys. Even so, it's an intriguing matchup, and the winner is bound to take another step toward superstardom. 

"There is no pressure on me being looked at as boxing's next superstar, but there is a lot of hard work in becoming one," Crawford said at a news conference this week. "I'm really excited to be on the big stage, and I'm on that big stage because I paid my dues in the gym and in the ring."

Crawford has drawn rave reviews for his polished ring generalship, which includes effectiveness from multiple stances, speed, power and defense.

Even so, the 28-year-old has faced mostly meager competition. His previous two fights resulted in knockouts of journeyman Hank Lundy and Dierry Jean, a Canadian contender who has lost both of his bouts against world-class competition.

Still, Crawford is fun to watch and, last year, an HBO viewing audience learned the same is true of Postol.

The 32-year-old stopped the rugged but fading Lucas Matthysse as a huge underdog with an impressive mix of poise and counterpunching.

Postol's stunning upset gave him the vacant WBC light welterweight title and put him in line to face Crawford in a unification bout. But he is still something of a novelty to American fight fans, as this will be just fifth bout in the U.S.

The winner will be in the mix for a November mega-fight with welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, who recently announced plans to come out of retirement.

Although Crawford is a deserved favorite, the price is way too steep against an undefeated opponent who figures to provide the most resistance Crawford has faced. Postol is skilled enough to pose a serious threat.

I think Crawford should be able to outbox Postol and win by decision. But it's unlikely he will stop the Ukrainian, who showed slick defense and a great chin against the heavy-handed Matthysse, who has 34 knockouts in his 37 wins.

As such, the value position lies in the Over 10.5 rounds proposition.

Even though it comes with a thick price, it's a major discount versus the prospect of backing Crawford. You could argue it's a steal as this one has all the makings of a bout that will go the distance.

Pick: Over 10.5 rounds (-190)