(CNN Philippines) — Everyone is anxiously waiting for the upcoming fight between Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Manny Pacquiao on May 2 (May 3 PHT).
The match is touted as the most lucrative in boxing history with around $400 million expected to be generated from ticket sales and global TV revenue.
Vote: What’s your forecast for the Mayweather-Pacquiao match?
For most fans, it’s the ultimate fight between two of the most successful boxers of this era. While for some, it’s another opportunity to make extra money.
Aside from basketball games, people also love betting on boxing matches – especially on a fight as huge as Mayweather-Pacquiao.
As of posting time, local online betting site MegaSportsWorld has pegged Mayweather as a 1.57 favorite to win the bout. Pacquiao, meanwhile, is a 2.48 underdog.
This means that if one would bet P1,000 on Mayweather, the bettor would only rake in P1,570 if the American boxer wins – as opposed to betting the same amount on Pacquiao, a victory by the Filipino boxer would earn P2,480.
Putting money on ‘Money’
One would assume that a Filipino or any person residing in the Philippines would automatically root for Pacquiao.
But that isn’t the case. Some are actually picking Mayweather over the Filipino champ.
Raad: Team Pacquiao vs. Team Mayweather – Who’s on whose side?
Mark de Guzman, a 30-year-old resident of Pasig, has consistently bet against Pacquiao in the past – even when the Filipino boxer was favored.
“Tataya ako kay Mayweather syempre. Lagi naman ako sa kalaban,” said De Guzman. “Nilalaro ko lang yung odds. Before hindi worth yung risk tumaya kay Manny, for a small gain… kaya sa kalaban ako.”
But even if Pacquiao is pegged as an underdog in Sunday’s (May 3) matchup, De Guzman admits he will still opt for Mayweather.
“As it stands ngayon masyadong maliit yung spread between them. ‘Di pa rin sulit. So sa favorite ako ‘pag kaunti yung spread.”
There are a few people, however, who will bet on Mayweather simply because they are fans of the undefeated boxer.
“Floyd’s ability to adjust his style mid-fight gives him the slight edge,” said Antonio, a source who refused to be identified.
For him, putting money on Mayweather is the “more practical bet to make.”
“Looking at it as a fight fan, this is a matchup against two of the best boxers of this era… not about their nationality or the country they represent,” said Antonio.
Also read: 5 fights that defined Manny Pacquiao
Playing it safe
Since predicting the winner of Mayweather-Pacquiao is tough, Antonio also placed a small bet on Pacquiao – just to be safe, he reasoned.
“By method ako pumusta. [I have bets on] Floyd by decision [and] Pacquiao by stoppage,” said Antonio.
Placing safe bets on both fighters is acceptable for some, but there are other options.
Terrence, another source who requested anonymity, is torn on choosing a winner and placed a bet on whether or not the fight will end via knockout or decision.
“Sa 12 rounds ako,” said Terrence. “Para lang makataya. ‘Di ko kasi mapili kung si Pacquiao o si Mayweather mananalo e.”
