AJ backed for BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Anthony Joshua is the clear favourite to be crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year, after the Watford boxer enjoyed a hugely successful year defeating Wladimir Klitschko to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the World.

Joshua went onto defend his crowns in Cardiff against tough challenger Carlos Takam, furthermore, AJ could be looking at an equally as triumphant 2018 with the fighter priced up at 4/6 to beat his newly returning domestic rival Tyson Fury.

Nonetheless, although Joshua is clearly heading the BBC Sports Personality of the Year market, Mo Farah is the proving most popular pick with punters, according to Ladbrokes.

AJ is as short as 1/7 for the BBC gong, while Lewis Hamilton is his nearest challenger at 7/1. Chris Froome has drifted from 10/1 to 33/1 this week, and that’s a price he shares with the most popular selection in the market in Farah.

And the bookies can report that before the 12-strong shortlist was announced, Jermain Defoe was the most backed sports star in the field.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “It’s hard to see past AJ after another stunning year in the ring, but at 33/1, plenty of punters reckon that if anyone is likely to cause an upset, it’ll be Farah.”

Ladbrokes Latest Betting

BBC Sports Personality of the Year

Anthony Joshua – 1/7

Lewis Hamilton – 7/1

Mo Farah – 33/1

Chris Froome – 33/1

Harry Kane – 40/1

Jonathan Rea – 50/1

Adam Peaty – 66/1

Jonnie Peacock – 66/1

Anya Shrubsole – 100/1

Johanna Konta – 100/1

Bianca Walkden – 200/1

Elise Christie – 200/1