Pacquiao vs Marquez Odds: Betting Lines for Saturdays Fight Night

We're less than a week away from champion Manny Pacquiao defending his WBO welterweight title vs. Juan Manuel Marquez. 

This will be the third fight between the two. If it's anything like the first two, this will go down as an epic trilogy. 

The first fight came in May of 2004 and ended in a draw. Four years later, Pacquiao defeated Marquez in a split decision. 

I say that not to restate history. After all, you can find that pretty easily on your own. But I want it fresh on your mind when considering these odds. 

(Betting odds according to Bodog.)

Pacquiao (-900), Marquez (+550)

The better payoff certainly belongs to Marquez, and it's not even close. But remember, this isn't a football game. In a football game, you can bet on the underdog and still win if they lose. This isn't a point spread. 

So, even with a big payoff, you're asking yourself: Will Marquez win? If it were my money, I wouldn't bet on this one. 

Pacquiao is five years younger, and despite the fact that the matches have been good, he's never lost to Marquez. 

Conversely, at -900, how much would you need to risk to make Pacquiao worthwhile? Again, it's not my money, but it doesn't seem worth it. Yes, I am predicting Pacquiao to win the fight, but the fact remains: In boxing, it takes one punch to turn the entire course of a fight. 

Is betting that much against a guy like Marquez worth it? I wouldn't chance it.

Over (+110)/Under (-150) 10.5 rounds. 

This one is a much more interesting bet and comes much closer to a point spread. 

Marquez doesn't have to win, but he can. This is all about whether the fight sees the 11th round. 

With the odds set the way they are, I like the over. There's nothing about their history with each other that makes me think this will be over by the end of the 10th round.

Actually, there is very little in either man's entire career that suggests that this one will end early.

I like Pacquiao to win this fight, but right or wrong, this one will go to the judges. Even if that's wrong, you have two full rounds to spare. 

The odds are there and so is the history. Take the over.