LAS VEGAS, Nevada?A win on points, more than a knockout, was the richer sportsbook proposition for backers of Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao on the eve of the weigh-in for Saturday?s (Sunday in Manila) Dream Match at the MGM Grand here.

The chance of scoring the dream stoppage was pegged at a distant 2/13, thus a $20 bet on a KO win by the Pacman would pay $130.

That means Pacquiao?s chance of winning by knockout, previously very distinct, has become elusive.

On the bright side, Pacquiao?s overall chances of winning, either by decision or knockout, have improved vastly.

At the close of betting Thursday, a $100 bet on a Pacman win would pay $155.

Odds were awfully stacked against Pacquiao a couple of weeks back, when a wager of $275 on De La Hoya would yield a pitiful $100.

Anyway, at the close of betting hours here Thursday evening, the likelihood of a Pacquiao defeat at the hands of Oscar De La Hoya was already less than double.

That, indeed, was a big improvement.

In the sportsbook equation, the most likely possibilities expectedly invite the bigger volume of bets.

There were just too many people?at a ratio of 3:1?buying bets on a De La Hoya victory three weeks back.

But on Friday, there was hot focus on a KO win by Pacquiao.

This proposition should lure countless Filipino backers, who are expected to multiply rapidly with the influx of politicians and celebrities from Manila in time for Saturday?s rumble at the MGM Grand here.

If both Pacquiao and De La Hoya finish on their feet and the fight is declared a draw, the bold voter would get $1,800 for his $100 bet.