LOS ANGELES — Six days before the fight, oddsmakers in Las Vegas have suddenly turned the tables on Manny Pacquiao.
Sportsbook.com, one of the biggest on-line betting stations here in the US, released Saturday the latest odds for the Jan. 21 fight between Pacquiao and Eric Morales in Las Vegas.
From a 5-7 underdog, the crafty Mexican boxer and former three-time world champion is now a 10-8 favorite to repeat over the Filipino whom he defeated last March at the MGM Grand.
“Maganda ’yan. Gaganda ang laban ng taya kay Manny,” said Rex “Wakee” Salud, a Filipino boxing promoter and manager from Cebu. He’s here to watch the fight at the Thomas and Mack Center.
Salud is one of Pacquiao’s closest friends. In fact, the Filipino people’s champion has entrusted to Salud the boxing career of his younger brother Bobby. Salud is throwing his money for Pacquiao.
When Pacquiao faced Morales last March, he was the overwhelming favorite. Sources said something close to P200 million in bets were placed in the Philippines alone.
Things could even get bigger this time especially if Pacquiao remains the underdog until the day of the fight.
