For the time being, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao have been reduced to competing outside of the boxing ring. They challenge each other when it comes to fight revenue generated, pound-for-pound standings and countless other relatively miniscule accomplishments in the grand scheme of an all-time greatest debate.
It's all we have, though.
One week after he moved up to first place -- over Pacquiao -- in several prominent pound-for-pound fighter ranker lists, Mayweather has claimed another victory over his Filipino rival – he remains the Las Vegas favorite in a potential showdown.
When negotiations originally began between Mayweather and Pacquiao back in 2009, Mayweather was listed as the odds-on favorite. The line was Mayweather -160, meaning that for every $100 won you would need to wager $160. By the same token, at the time Pacquiao was listed at +150, meaning that for every $100 bet you could win $150.
Two years later, the odds have changed a little, but not much. As per the Philippine Star, Mayweather currently sits at -140 and Pacquiao is listed at +110. These odds take into account Pacquiao’s controversial victory over Juan Manuel Marquez earlier this month, and Mayweather equally controversial albeit more definitive victory over Victor Ortiz back in September.
“I don’t care about the odds. Because once the fight starts, it’s an entirely different matter,” Pacquiao has said.
And with good reason. Back in 2008 when Pacquiao was due to face Oscar De La Hoya, he was listed at +150 whereas his opponent was listed at -180. Needless to say, those who bet on the Filipino champ got a nice return on their wager.
It’s also worth remembering that Pacquiao was a heavy favorite over Marquez as well, and we all remember how that turned out.
All things considered, odds when it comes to fights of this magnitude are a toss-up. They’re rooted in logic, obviously, but they’re anything but infallible.
Of course, until a fight is actually set up between Mayweather and Pacquiao, all this talk is moot. And why hasn’t a fight been set up, again?
That’s right, Bob Arum.
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I think both Pacquiao and Mayweather lose a bet big time, they both betted for a KO from the Pacquiao vs Marquez fight "just being sarcastic". Their both gamblers so it's possible HE! HE! HE!
There Can Be Only One.