LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Manny Pacquiao, noted for bucking impossible odds, appeared a little awkward when he returned Tuesday as a full-fledged star to this gambling city where he’s been installed a strong favorite to win his world title fight on Saturday.
The celebrated Filipino boxer, who had fought his best as an underdog, was given a 3-2 edge to wrest Juan Manuel Marquez’s WBA and IBF featherweight crowns.
Pacquiao appeared uneasy in his new role.
In 2001, he was rated totally insignificant when, as a last-minute substitute, he upset African Lehlo Ledwabah to win the IBF super bantamweight crown.
