By Edward Chaykovsky
The fight is far from a done deal, but oddsmakers in Las Vegas are already setting up lines for a potential showdown between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, is speak with CBS CEO Les Moonves to get Mayweather on board with the match. Cinco De Mayo weekend, May 2, is the target date.
Oddsmaker Jimmy Vaccaro told the Las Vegas Review Journal that he opened a line at the South Point sports book, with Mayweather as a minus -300 favorite and Pacquiao at plus -250. There are already bets coming down on the fight and the odds are changing, with Mayweather currently minus-260 and Pacquiao plus-220. Vaccaro says the fight must happen by May 31 or all wagers will be refunded.
Dave Cokin, a Las Vegas handicapper and ESPN Radio host, told the paper that he believes Mayweather will win a lopsided decision and has the fighter as a much bigger favorite with his betting proposition.
“My feelings have never changed regarding this fight. I’ve always believed this would be a good match for Mayweather. He’s obviously been money against all styles. But I like Floyd best against guys he’s naturally bigger than, and Pacquiao qualifies on that count. Manny has improved his boxing skills over the years but never to the point to win a majority of rounds against Mayweather," Cokin said.
“Anything less than Mayweather minus-300 is a bargain. I might be higher than most on this matchup, but I make it closer to minus-500 and believe Mayweather would win a lopsided decision.”
