Oddsmakers remain somehow convinced that Manny Pacquiao is far from being damaged goods.
The odds for Pacquiao?s Nov. 24 comeback fight in Macau against Brandon Rios is out and the Filipino is listed at -550, while his ultra-aggressive American rival is +350.
In other words, a hefty $550 bet on Pacquiao wins only $100, while a mere $100 wager on Rios wins $350.
Pacquiao is coming off a sixth-round knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico and oddsmakers are apparently confident Pacquiao will have no trouble getting back into winning form in the scheduled 12-round welterweight bout at the CotaiArena, a 15,000-seat venue within the sprawling The Venetian Resort and Casino.
Pacquiao is still taking it nice and easy and won?t be reporting for training camp until September but Rios has started doing pre-conditioning in Oxnard, California, although he hasn?t done anything heavy.
Rios? devil-may-care attitude is one reason why Pacquiao has been installed as favorite and it was for this that he was signed up to become Pacquiao?s dancing partner.
Pacquiao is in dire need not only of a win but an emphatic one at that as he revs up to bring back his glory days.
Before falling to Marquez in December, Pacquiao was dealt a shocking split decision defeat to Tim Bradley, making his showdown with Rios a must-win.
Pacquiao plans to spend six weeks in General Santaos City or Davao before heading to Macau for the final two weeks of his buildup.
