LAS VEGAS, Nevada, United States of America — The Manny Pacquiao-Erik Morales showdown at MGM Grand has been classified a blockbuster four days before its staging on Saturday evening (Sunday morning in Manila).
The bout, strongly predicted to be a slugfest based on the courage and styles of the combatants, is perceived to be a “dead-end match-up.”
With the brisk demand for tickets, the event was declared a box-office success.
The demand for media accreditation has been so overwhelming that organizers had to turn down a host of regular applications.
This was taken as a gauge that Saturday’s blockbuster has reached the level of popularity of Oscar de la Hoya fights, said Aimy Zophie, head media coordinator.
Morales, a native of Tijuana and a Mexican ring icon, commands a strong walk-up crowd.
But Pacquiao’s startling credentials, not to mention his fiery, non-stop style, have fueled interest in the showdown.
Previously, MGM Mirage odds opened with Pacquiao a minus-130 favorite.
On the other hand, Morales was a plus-110 underdog. A bet of $100 on Morales would pay $110.
It was erroneously reported here that a $110 wager on Morales would yield $100.
Yesterday, Pacquiao opened a minus-120 favorite. (Bettors must wager $1.25 for each $1 they’re trying to win on Pacquiao.)
The take-back on Morales is plus-105. (Bettors win $1.05 for each $1 they put on Morales.)
The odds are expected to tighten, if not totally even up, with the arrival of Morales in this gaming city.
Like Marvin Hagler
Puerto Rican cutman Lenny de Jesus, who will be in Manny Pacquiao’s corner, agreed that the March 19 super bout has the makings of an Ali-Frazier classic.
But De Jesus nodded and made a thumbs-up sign when told the fight could spawn a Hagler-Hearns type of battle.
Reason: both Pacquiao and Morales are all-out action fighters.
Hagler could be likened to Pacquiao, Morales to Hearns.
In an unforgettable fight, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, one-time Manila visitor, stopped Thomas “Hitman” Hearns in the third round of their middleweight bout at Caesar’s Palace here in 1985.
Morales could indeed be bigger, but Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said he would be happier that way.
“Size won’t be a problem. Morales will be bigger but slower. He will have a hard time dealing with Manny’s quickness and speed.”
