WHEN Pacquiao enters the ring, there are bets to be made.
But fans are less than eager to make big wagers on the outcome.
If any, the bets will be over which round the fight will end, said Eric Nepomuceno, a construction firm employee in Cebu City, and an unabashed Pacquiao fan.
One could win P5,000 if Pacquiao wins within six rounds, he said.
“It’s hard to find bet takers. Manny is very favored. Your P100 will only win P10,” said Nepomuceno.
“Bradley is good but Manny has faced better fighters in the past such as Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez and Oscar Dela Hoya.”
Aside from Pacquiao’s superior skills, there’s style.
“Bradley fights like Hatton. Watch out for Pacquiao’s left when Bradley throws his right hand. It will be Pacquiao by knockout,” said Cebu City Councilor Yayoy Alcoseba.
“Because of his style, Bradley will be very vulnerable to Pacquiao’s powerful left. That’s what happened to Hatton.”
In their May 2009 fight, Pacquiao decked Ricky Hatton in the second round.
Michael Aldeguer, CEO and president of ALA Promotions, said Pacquiao’s victory was a sure thing.
“Pacquiao’s power will be too much for Bradley. It will be Pacquiao in six rouunds,” he said.
Two-division world champion Donnie Nietes said Pacquiao will knock Bradley out in the eighth or ninth round.
“He’s stronger and quicker. His speed will slow down Bradley,” said Nietes. /Editorial Assistant Calvin D. Cordova