Pacquiao oddsmakers’ choice to beat Margarito

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao, smaller and lighter than Mexican star Antonio Margarito, opened up as the heavy favorite in their Nov. 13 showdown for the World Boxing Council light middleweight crown likely to be held in Arlington, Texas.   According to Examiner.com reports, bookmakers have installed Pacquiao, the pound-for-pound king, a -525 choice to beat Margarito, who was listed at +325,  and claim an unprecedented eighth title in as many divisions when they tangle at a catch weight of 150 to 151 pounds.   The odds means a bettor needs to wager $525 on Pacquiao to earn $100. A $100 bet on Margarito, on the other hand, would yield $325.   Details of Pacquiao-Margarito have yet to be finalized because Margarito’s fight license remains suspended in the United States with a hearing for reinstatement set before the California Athletic Commission on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila).   Regardless of the outcome, Pacquiao-Margarito is certain to proceed as both boxers are being promoted by Top Rank’s Bob Arum, who will meet with Pacquiao’s Canadian adviser, Michael Koncz, after the hearing to iron out minor differences in the fight contract.   Though the 5-foot-11 Margarito towers over Pacquiao by nearly five inches and owns a six-inch reach advantage, the Filipino is tipped to win by stoppage going by the -180 odds that the fight won’t go past 9 1/2 rounds.   The Cowboys Stadium looms as the venue of the pay-per-view bout owing to the impressive offer reportedly made by Dallas Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones, who was elated when Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey drew  50,994 fans on March 13.