ShareThisMarquez gives nod to 5th bout with Filipino champ
MANILA – Unlike in their first fight, the rematch between Filipino world boxing icon Manny Pacquio and undefeated American champion Timothy Bradley in April 12 in Las Vegas is no longer heavily favored to Pacquiao.
Tim Bradley & Manny Pacquiao shared a symbolic moment of triumph in front of the “Rocky” statue at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. View more photos from their press tour at www.toprank.com/photos Photo Credit: Chris Farina
According to philboxing.com report, the current betting lines in Las Vegas sportsbooks for the fight is still favoring the Filipino fighter by a slim 2:1 margin, reported PNA’s Jelly Musico.
In their first encounter in 2012, Pacquiao was a 4:1 favorite but lost the fight in a controversial decision.
The report said Pacquiao is pegged at -180 while Bradley is at an advantageous +160, meaning you will need $ 180 in order to win $ 100 on a Pacquiao bet while a $100 bet on Bradley will net the bettor another $ 160.
In their first fight, Pacquiao was at -450 while Bradley enjoyed a +360 payoff on a $ 100 bet.
Pacquiao (55-5-2 with 38 knockouts) is coming off a unanimous decision over Brandon Rios in Macau last December while Bradley (28-0) retained his WBO welterweight crown over Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez last year.
Marquez dealt Pacquiao his worst defeat, knocking out cold the Filipino boxing superstar just before the sixth round ended in their rematch in December 2012
Marquez is now having second thoughts about his refusal to meet Pacquiao in a historic fifth fight.
The Mexican warrior has consistently refused to fight Pacquiao again after knocking out the Filipino in their fourth faceoff, pointing out that he has proven that he is a better fighter than his Filipino nemesis.
But his decision could change if Pacquiao wins the WBO welterweight title from Bradley this April, according to an ABS-CBN report.
“Right now at this stage of my career I want something that will leave a legacy – I want that fifth championship,” Marquez told 3 More Rounds. (http://3morerounds.com/news/marquez-considering-may-fight-then-pacquiao-…)
“I always said I wanted to fight Pacquiao and beat him and I did. I do want that [welterweight] title, but I’m not obsessed with it, though it would be a great achievement,” he added.
Marquez tried wresting the WBO title from Bradley last October but he was outpointed by the American champion.
He sought for a rematch, but Bradley chose to face Pacquiao again instead and defend his title.
Marquez ruled out a fight against Ruslan Provodnikov a WBO junior welterweight fight.