Tonight's the night: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao. Yes, "The Fight of the Century" has finally arrived, and with it, the accompanying multi-million dollar payouts and $100 Pay-Per-View packages. As historic as this fight is for the sport of boxing, let's not forget that it's also insanely lucrative.
With all of this money trading hands, it's tempting to want to get in on a piece of the action. And, hey, since this is such a once-in-a-lifetime event, why not celebrate by throwing a little bit of cash down?
Not so fast, though. If you're an inexperienced bettor, it's crucial that you know the ins and outs of this fight before putting a dollar on anyone. To help you out with your big-money decisions, we've assembled a quick betting guide to let you know where the most money is to be won.
1. Floyd Mayweather is more than a 1/2 favorite to win the fight.
2. Manny Pacquiao is a +160 underdog.
3. Mayweather's most likely method of victory is by unanimous decision.
4. Pacquiao isn't favored to score a knockout.
Even a puncher with Pacquiao's power can't convince Vegas of his ability to KO Floyd Mayweather. Though many feel that Mayweather was knocked down by Zab Judah in 2008 (it was officially ruled a slip), Pretty Boy Floyd has so far hit the canvas just once in his professional career, when he went down against Carlos Hernandez in 2001.
Pacquiao, of course, offers a tougher test than anyone in Mayweather's career, precisely because of his ability to lay his opponents out. Pac-Man has notched 38 kayos in his 57 victories, yet is posted as an 11/2 underdog to knock out Floyd. Bet on a KO for Pacquiao, and you'll be due a few bands. C'mon, just watch the video below and try to tell us that it isn't just a little bit tempting.
6. But Pacquiao is less likely to be knocked down than Mayweather.
Pacquiao has suffered some devastating losses in his career, but is still less likely to get knocked down in this fight than Mayweather; the odds for a Pacquiao knockdown are 20/1, while Mayweather's stand at 3/1. Of course, that discrepancy likely says more about Mayweather's defensive fighting style than Pacquiao's ability to stay on his feet.
8. Pacquiao is going to throw the most punches, even if it doesn't get him the W.
9. The big money is in a draw.
10. The fight is expected to last 12 rounds.
11. An opening round victory would be unlikely, but lucrative.
12. If Mayweather wins, don't be surprised if he retires on the spot.
