Boxing News: Manny Pacquiao Opens as Betting Underdog in Floyd Mayweather Fight
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has opened as a considerable favorite to beat Manny Pacquiao in the announced RIZIN rematch in 2024. Pacquiao revealed the fight live at RIZIN 45 on December 31, but nothing has been confirmed on Mayweather's end.
As per BetOnline, Mayweather opened as a -225 favorite, with Pacquiao trailing as a +175 underdog. As the lines adjusted, the fight resembled more of a pick'em, with Mayweather as a -130 favorite and Pacquiao sitting at +100 (subject to change, view the real-time odds at BetOnline.).
The bout is likely to be an exhibition match with no repercussions on either fighter's professional record, which may have swayed the odds in favor of Pacquaio.
Before Pacquiao can consider Mayweather, he must first overcome Buakaw Banchamek in his scheduled April 20 exhibition boxing match in Thailand.
Manny Pacquiao and Buakaw Banchamek pose for the press ahead of their April 2024 exhibition.
Getty Images
Billed as "The Match of Legends," Pacquiao and Buakaw will fight to receive a cash prize of $289,000 (10 million Baht) and the WBC Legend title. The $25 million exhibition will be six rounds of boxing following international boxing rules.
Depending on the outcome of the exhibition, Pacquiao could become the betting favorite or more of an underdog in his reported rematch with Mayweather.
Their first bout was one of the highest-selling fights in combat sport's history, generating over $400 million in revenue. Time will tell whether a rematch in RIZIN will even come close to these numbers.
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