It’s still 90 days before the fight and the odds are already out: Manny Pacquiao is a 4-1 favorite over Marco Antonio Barrera in their rematch at Mandalay Bay in Vegas.
It will be a complete reversal of roles from that cold November night in 2003 when Pacquiao, then the underdog, knocked out Barrera in the 11th round, and rose to stardom.
Boxingconfidential.com said “the bookies are looking for some early action” and “it’s an obvious sign that (they) are giving the Mexican veteran a very slim chance to conquer the Filipino terror.”
The oddsmakers may be right.
Pacquiao, at 28, could be considered close to the prime of his career. He’s coming off big wins over Erik Morales and Jorge Solis, and is eager to finally get a crack at the world title.
On the other hand, Barrrera, turning 34 in January, has thought of retirement since losing the WBC super-featherweight crown to Juan Manuel Marquez last March.
But the opportunity to face Pacquiao a second time, and earn probably no less than $3 million at the end of the day, is just too hard to resist for the former champion from Mexico.
Besides, a win could set up Barrera for a third and deciding match with Pacquiao, and of course, an even bigger purse. To do that, however, he’s got to hurdle tall odds.
Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, feels that this could be Barrera’s last fight and expects the ex-champ to be at his best.
“Barrera’s durable. He’s a tough guy and you can’t take anybody too lightly in this game,” said Roach.
