Though the first two fights between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez have been hotly contested, oddsmakers expect Pac Man to dominate the third bout on Saturday night.
Defending WBO World Welterweight titleholder Pacquiao is a 9-to-1 favorite to defeat Marquez when the fighters meet at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday, according to Bodog. The over-under for the fight's length is 10 1/2 rounds, or the midway point of Round 11.
This will be the third time Pacquiao and Marquez square off with one another, the first two fights ending in controversial decisions. On May 8, 2004, the pair met at the MGM Grand Garden Arena with Featherweight titles on the line. Marquez was knocked down three times in the opening round, but recovered to control the next 11 rounds. The fight was scored a draw, but only because a judge made an error on his scorecard. Had the error not been made, Pacquiao would have won via split decision.
In the rematch on March 15, 2008, Pacquiao won a split decision at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, but again the decision was not without dispute. Marquez landed more punches than Pacquiao, though Pac Man managed to take Marquez to the mat with a left hook. Immediately after the loss, Marquez promoters wanted a rematch with Pacquiao.
Saturday's bout is expected to be another thriller, as both fighters have proven to be elite in their profession.
