SAN ANTONIO, Texas — As fight time nears, the odds continue to swell in favor of Filipino ring superstar Manny Pacquiao.
What started as 8-1 odds last week climbed to 10-1 Thursday (Friday in Manila) and are expected to widen further before Pacquiao’s showdown with Mexican Jorge Solis on Saturday (Sunday) at the Alamodome here.
According to oddsmakers, those betting on Pacquiao increased after seeing Solis during Wednesday’s press conference for the 80-round PPV (Pay-Per-View) Blaze of Glory fight card.
Though unbeaten after 35 fights, including one no-decision against Humberto Soto, Solis remains an unknown commodity among the Mexicans and Hispanics who have settled in this city known for its penchant for big things.
Pacquiao, on the other hand, endeared himself to the locals after stopping the favored Marco Antonio Barera in the 11th round four years ago, also at the Alamodome.
Finding the $49.50 PPV charge too stiff, Filipinos and Mexicans here are organizing themselves into groups to watch the fight together.
A case in point is the MY Chockdee Oriental Market, which is offering a 16-course Manny Pacquiao buffet Saturday night in the suburb of Universal City.
Specializing in Filipino food, the restaurant by a Korean-Filipino couple is the favorite hangout of Pacquiao fan Monico Meneses, the first Filipino to become a member of the San Antonio Police Department, and Francis Nitura, an international cocker.
