MANILA, Philippines - The betting lines are open for Manny Pacquiao’s awaited ring return against Brandon Rios on Nov. 24 in Macau.
Pacquiao, of course, remained as the favorite, with oddsmakers putting the fallen Filipino superstar at -240, meaning you need $240 to win a hundred bucks.
Rios, the younger and hungrier fighter, is at +300, meaning every $100 on him wins $300, according to betting station Bovada.
Pacquiao is the rightful favorite, but following back-to-back losses to Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez, oddsmakers are keeping some distance.
Pacquiao was favored against Bradley and Marquez but ended up losing two in a row.
If not for the scary knockout Pacquiao suffered at the hands of Marquez last December, the odds for November’s non-title fight at 147 lb would have been twice as tall.
Rios is also coming off a loss, the first in his career, against Mike Alvarado last March, and yet he found a way to face Pacquiao when Bradley and Marquez begged off.
Rios is getting over $3 million for the Pacquiao fight, and he should be happy with the odds.
Alvarado was greatly considered as Pacquiao’s next opponent, but promoter Bob Arum said Alvarado hurt his hand in his last fight against Rios and is not working hard enough with his rehabilitation.
Rios jumped on the opportunity.
“That’s a great opportunity, man, it’s about time that they’ve given me my big shot. Hopefully, today I’ll sign the contract,†Rios told www.ringtv.com.
“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time, so it’s about time. I’ve worked my way up to get here and hopefully, everything works out in my favor. I’m ready and I’ve been ready for this big shot. I can’t wait,†he said.
Rios is willing and ready to fight Pacquiao no matter what the odds are.