Bets on the anticipated boxing match between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor are gaining steam in Las Vegas, with multiple $1 million wagers being made, reports ESPN.
Mayweather comes out of retirement, after two years of inactivity, to put his 49-0 unblemished record on the line against UFC star McGregor in a sanctioned boxing match - taking place at the junior middleweight limit of 154-pounds.
The MGM sportsbook took a $1 million bet on Mayweather at -550 odds from a VIP casino guest on Thursday, while William Hill’s Nevada sportsbook reported a $1.2 million wager on Mayweather at -500 odds.
“The price is skyrocketing right now,” Jay Rood, MGM vice president of race and sports, told ESPN.
The fight takes place this Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Mayweather can increase his perfect record to 50-0 if he prevails over McGregor as many expect he will.
The four-fight SHOWTIME PPV event, beginning live at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, will feature undefeated rising star Gervonta "Tank" Davis making the second defense of his 130-pound title against undefeated challenger Francisco Fonseca plus light heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly defending his belt against former super middleweight champion Badou Jack. The telecast begins with unbeaten Andrew Tabiti and former world champion Steve Cunningham meeting in a 10-round battle.
Coverage begins on FOX and FOX Deportes with a one-hour Prefight Show at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. Prelims on FOX and FOX Deportes begin at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will see a battle between welterweight contenders Thomas Dulorme and Yordenis Ugas plus a showdown of unbeaten prospects as Juan Heraldez meets Jose Miguel Borrego in a 10-round bout.
Additional action inside the arena will see unbeaten Kevin Newman (7-0-1, 3 KOs) in super middleweight action and the pro debut of 2016 Savannah Marshall from London.
