Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Odds: Updated Vegas Fight Lines for Title Fight
Given the upcoming bout between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will be the most lucrative fight in history and hosted in the gambling capital of the world, naturally there is plenty of clamour regarding the Vegas fight lines for this iconic title showdown.
As the undefeated champion, Mayweather is naturally the favourite with the bookmakers, but Pacquiao is the kind of boxer who will relish the underdog tag. Either way, the calibre of each man makes this one a very difficult scrap to call.
Ahead of one of the biggest boxing occasions of all time, here are the latest odds and a closer examination of who you should be backing prior to the bell ringing on the night of Saturday, May 2.
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| To Win | 11-25 | 7-4 |
| To Win by KO, TKO or Disqualification | 6-1 | 4-1 |
| To Win by Decision or Technical Decision | 77-100 | 15-4 |
For full odds listing and other markets check out the Odds Shark website. Odds accurate as of 9:45 a.m. (BST), April 30.
Back Manny To Blemish Floyd’s Impeccable Record
Throughout his distinguished boxing career, Mayweather has dealt with a variety of different opponents. Whether it’s lightning-fast counter-punchers, big-hitters or brawlers, the American has always found a way to win, and on the cusp of his 48th professional fight, he boasts a perfect career record.
It’s only natural that in the eyes of many, Floyd is still the favourite to win. After all, he’s supremely talented, and in terms of style, he will fancy his chances of landing some clinical shots given that intensity has long been Pacquiao’s modus operandi.
Indeed, Boxing trainers Jason Strout and Jenaro Diaz told Bleacher Report Mayweather has the fundamental qualities to win:
But Manny has the tools to breach Floyd’s tight-knit defensive shell. While the Filipino will admit he likes to take pot-shots, he can also be a very precise fighter when stepping forward and looking to land power shots.
This statistic from ESPN provides us with an indication of how the fight is likely to pan out:
As such, when he does catch Mayweather, Pacquiao is capable of landing another two or three shots in quick succession. Shane Mosely showed against Money that he is vulnerable when caught clean, but Sugar didn’t have the requisite intensity to step in and keep the pressure on. The same goes for Zab Judah, who couldn’t capitalise on some good early work.
Manny has the speed to dart in and out quickly too. Mayweather’s main offensive weapon is the lead right hand, and as a southpaw, Pacquiao will have to be very careful to avoid that thunderous shot when looking to come forward, as well as Floyd’s sharp left hook.
Indeed, Manny has claimed in the build-up to the fight that he’ll be too fast for the American, per Sky News:
"I'm different to the 47 opponents he has fought before. I'm faster than them and I'm content for the fight. I believe this is the moment he will experience his first loss.
I can't say Mayweather is the most dangerous opponent of my career because I've fought guys like Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Juan Manuel and Marquez and other boxers. He's a difficult opponent, but my confidence is different for this fight. This is one of the most important fights for my boxing legacy.
"
Manny’s legacy has seen him accrue almost an incomparable amount of experience, and he’ll need every ounce of it here. The Filipino has the tools to beat Floyd, and if he can channel his aggression at the opportune moments, Pacquiao can rock the American back. But unlike others, he can keep that tempo sustained.
Mayweather has the defensive skills to avoid tasting the canvas, but after what will be a tense start, expect Pacquiao to surge through the gears, up the ante and start winning rounds with his superior work rate, head movement and sharp shots. Ultimately, that will see the Filipino take this one on the scorecards.
Prediction: Pacquiao to win on points
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