In a thrilling clash dubbed "Knockout Chaos" on Friday night, Anthony Joshua emerged victorious in the second round, delivering a brutal knockout blow to former UFC Heavyweight Champion Francis Ngannou, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Renowned rapper Drake, known for his penchant for placing hefty bets on sports events, found himself on the losing end this time. Prior to the bout, Drake boldly announced on Instagram that he was putting down a staggering $615,000 on Ngannou to triumph over Joshua, declaring, "Betting on a scary man."
However, fate had other plans, and the one-sided knockout in Joshua's favor left Drake with a significant dent in his pocket. The failed wager, if successful, could have yielded the rapper a handsome $1.9 million profit. Despite the setback, Drake's betting adventures have been marked by both highs and lows.
Drake placed a $615,000 bet on Francis Ngannou to beat Anthony Joshua and lost. pic.twitter.com/SNvD347AKU
— 🔊💦 (@SpeakerLeaks) March 9, 2024
Drake, often associated with the infamous "Drake Curse," a superstition among fans that claims he brings misfortune to athletes and teams he supports, has seen this phenomenon play out in the world of combat sports. From tennis star Serena Williams to UFC fighter Kamaru Usman, quarterback Johny Manziel, and even the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team, the curse seems to transcend sports boundaries.
#ICYMI : Jake Paul Blames The 'Drake Curse' For His Loss To Tommy Fury: 'Why Do You Do This To Me?'#WeGotUs #SourceLovehttps://t.co/QgSA9N5rmF
— The Source Magazine (@TheSource) February 28, 2023
Drake's betting history tells a tale of wins and losses. He backed the wrong horses in previous bouts, supporting Sean Strickland over Dricus Du Plessis and endorsing Israel Adesanya against Strickland. The latter decision cost Drake a potential $920,000 payout when Strickland pulled off an unexpected victory on points, thwarting the rapper's hopes for an Adesanya knockout.
Drake is betting big on Israel Adesanya at #UFC293 💰 pic.twitter.com/LVZsTIg2KQ
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) September 9, 2023
*Drake put $700k on Sean Strickland* pic.twitter.com/uUOTm731qz
— Delinquent MMA (@DelinquentMMA) January 20, 2024
However, Drake's luck turned around in 2023 when he placed a substantial bet on YouTube boxer Logan Paul to defeat Conor McGregor's training partner, Dillon Danis, in their Misfits Boxing match. The rapper walked away with $1.3 million after Danis was disqualified in the final round for attempting to choke Paul unconscious, triggering a chaotic brawl in the ring.
Despite the rollercoaster ride of wins and losses, Drake remains a prominent figure in the world of sports betting, always keeping fans on their toes with his unpredictable choices. The "Drake Curse" may linger, but the rapper continues to defy expectations, occasionally turning a losing streak into a lucrative win, much like his successful $2.3 million bet on the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl final against the San Francisco 49ers.