Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Odds: Last-Minute Betting Advice for Superfight

Bet on Manny Pacquiao or save your money. 

I can't really put it any more plainly than that. Does that mean I believe Pacquiao will defeat Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Saturday night at the MGM Grand? No, but with the odds favoring Mayweather, the only way to make any real money on a wager would be to take Pacquiao.

Per Odds Shark, Mayweather's fractional odds are set at 7-20. Betting $20 to win a total of $27 isn't exactly making money hand over fist. On the flip side, Pacquiao's fractional odds are 9-4. Wagering $4 to walk away with $13 means you triple your money for the bet.

This is basic betting logic, but it only makes sense if the underdog—Pacquiao in this case—has a legitimate shot to win. While I still believe Mayweather will win, Pacquiao is the livest of dogs.

Speed is the major factor. 

Pacquiao is the first opponent Mayweather will have faced who may be faster than the pound-for-pound king. We don't know if that's the case, but the question is out there. If he is, Mayweather will find himself face-to-face with a fresh new challenge.

At 38 years old, new challenges can be extremely hard to overcome. Money's trainer and father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., said he isn't worried about Pacquiao's speed or power in the interview below with Elie Seckbach of ESNews Reporting.

Then again, we really shouldn't expect to hear anything different from Money's camp. It would be strange for a fighter or his trainer to admit they are worried about any aspect of the opponent's game. Nonetheless, speed is one of Mayweather's biggest advantages. 

If he doesn't have the edge in that area, he'll have to go to the second layer of his game. 

John Locher/Associated Press

Pacquiao could also choose to try to outbox Mayweather. If he's able to do that, it'll force Mayweather to fight more aggressively and pursue a knockout. This is something he can accomplish, but it would be a stark contrast from what we're used to seeing from him.

The bottom line is, there are a few ways Pacquiao can make this fight interesting and even win. I can't remember the last time I felt that way about a Mayweather opponent. You might not find a more feasible way to triple your money in the sport of boxing. 

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