Boxing odds - Pacquiao vs De La Hoya betting will be huge
Posted on 11/12/2008 2:56:30 PM
By Atell "The Gun" Brunn
Boxing betting: Pacquiao vs De La Hoya odds
WHO: Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar De La Hoya
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WHAT: Boxing betting
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WHEN: Saturday, December 6 at 6:00 p.m. ET
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WHERE: MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada
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KEY STATS: Fight will be contested at welterweight, De La Hoya’s optimal weight
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PICK: Pacquiao
Pacquiao vs De La Hoya betting just might be the biggest offshore sports betting event of the year, as two of boxing’s greatest and most recognizable fighters will do battle. While many pundits suggested that prizefighting was in the gutter, this tilt is expected to break box office and pay-per-view profit records, and is likely to see more wagering action than any boxing lines before it.
Pacquiao vs De La Hoya odds will heavily favor the latter, as “The Golden Boy” will be fighting in his optimal weight class. De La Hoya will have a big reach and power advantage, and will look to keep his opponent on the outside by throwing bombs. The 10-time world champion has hired legendary trainer Angelo Dundee to be part of his training squad for this fight, marking the first time De La Hoya has made additions to camp.
Freddie Roach has run the show in De La Hoya’s camp for his entire career; however, Dundee has been brought in to instill a more patient game plan for the Golden Boy. Dundee is famous for training Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and “Sugar” Ray Leonard—all of whom were tremendous outside fighters—and certainly can’t hurt De La Hoya odds.
The Pacquiao vs De La Hoya line is up against Pacquiao due to a tremendous size disadvantage and unfamiliarity with the weight class. To put it into perspective—this is a former world champion at 114 pounds facing a former world champion at 147 pounds. The “Pac Man” will spend most of the fight trying to get inside where he can use his speed, much like Antonio Margarito did to Miguel Cotto.
Despite his size, Pacquiao has been said to have “heavyweight power,” which is evidenced in his 35 knockouts. However, many question whether or not he can maintain his quickness after gaining the necessary weight to meet the fight requirements, which will certainly be a huge factor in the boxing odds.
ATELL’S PICK: It’s tempting to bet on De La Hoya, but consider that this isn’t just a match of Big vs. Small—this bout is one between a fading fighter and one still in his prime. Oscar De La Hoya is not the fighter he once was, which was very evident in his most recent contests against Floyd Mayweather and Steve Forbes.
While he faded in later rounds and lost the judges’ favor in both bouts, Pacquiao was breezing through lengthy bouts with Eric Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez and, most recently, David Diaz. This fight will almost certainly go the distance, which favors the faster, better conditioned fighter. Bet on Manny Pacquiao.
Be sure to check the Betting Edge regularly as Attell “The Gun” Brunn sheds insight on the sweet science and boxing betting.
His chin may not have been strong enough to stay in the
ring, but his sharp mind has kept him active in a number of boxing corners.
Attell “The Gun” Brunn spent years in local boxing gyms as a real-life “Mickey
Goldmill”, coaching up the youngsters. But now The Gun has hung up the gloves
and uses his craft for handicapping the sport. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
