LAS VEGAS – The betting odds for the Pacquiao-Morales II is swaying like an erratic pendulum as both Manny and Erik have held the lofty status as favorites in the weeks before their gigantic showdown.
The other day, though, the odds steadied firmly in Manny’s favor, who was a minus 115 favorite to Morales’ plus 105 underdog. This just means that one needs to bet $115 to win $100 on Pacquiao, while a bettor who places $100 for Morales is rewarded with $105.
But according to officials at the Wynn Resort sportsbook, those odds could still change in Morales’ favor, especially when the “Mexican money” begins to pour in. As of last night, that money was still missing. The Wynn sportsbook was still closed when this story was filed.
During the first Pacquiao-Morales fight, the MGM Grand sportsbook suggested that the gaming odds were swayed by Pinoys who bet some $2 million on Manny. Those Pinoys are clearly not suffering from the “once bitten-twice shy” syndrome as our brethren from Nevada, Arizona and California and those who flew in from the Philippines continue to bet serious money on PacMan.
I bumped into Cebu promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud, one of Manny’s closest friends, during yesterday’s weigh-in at the Wynn’s Margaux ballroom. While waiting for the protagonists to tip in the scales, I asked the famous promoter how much he is putting on his buddy.
“Just $4,000,” he said. Only that? I asked.
“Yes, because I don’t have enough cash,” replied Wakee, who confirmed that a lot of Cebuanos back home have called him asking if he could place a bet for them.
Meanwhile, the contingents of lawmakers and celebrities have arrived from the Philippines and there is reasonable expectations that more betting money will be pumped in for PacMan.
SOLD OUT? Stories about ticket sales and crown attendance for the fight are so conflicting that some are even morphing into a myth.To clear some of the air, I went straight to the horse’s mouth – promoter Bob Arum. I bumped into the Top Rank kingpin yesterday afternoon and here’s what he had to say.
“There were 16,000 tickets sold and there are about 3,000 left, which will easily be sold once the fans of Manny and Erik walk in. The 9,500 lower bowl seats are out, while some 300 are left in the upper bowl. ”
Including the media, the managers, trainers, organizers and all those who have a hand in the event, there should be some 18,000 people inside the Thomas and Mack Center today. (HDS)
