Boxing Betting / Alex Steedman / 08 November 2010 /

The world's greatest boxer attempts to win a title at a seventh different weight - can he do it? Course he can! Alex Steedman previews the bout and searches out the best bets ahead of Saturday night's clash

Boxing has always enjoyed playing match ups between supposed good and bad but rarely has a big fight been so black and white in that regard than Manny Pacquiao's weekend bout against Antonio Margarito.

Not many Boxing fans think Margarito as worthy of a place back in the fight game following his 'loaded gloves' suspension never mind deserving a shot at the Sport's number one draw. No surprise that he is cast as an obvious villain in a fight he is not expected to win ([5.1]).

Yet there was a time when Margarito was the hardcore fans' favourite; a relentless Mexican warrior who took four punches to land one and grafted his way to the top. His winning war against Miguel Cotto seemed to define Margarito as a fighter but having been caught in the act of wearing hardened casting in his gloves prior to getting knocked out by Shane Mosley next time, most of us are wondering did it happen before?

That burning question does have a bearing on your punting for this fight because it appeared that Margarito's apparent invincibility and much vaunted chin was exposed by Mosley last year. Could it be that in the knowledge he would be less potent in attack that Margarito was somehow reduced psychologically? It could be that he was simply distracted thereafter and was beaten by an on-song hall of fame fighter. It could be.

The reality is that the 2008 version of Margarito would still have his hands full with the current incarnation of Pacquiao ([1.25]) for there is no doubt that Pac Man has become something of a boxing tour de force. He has speed; explosive power and a work ethic which makes the marines look like beach bums, so much so that Pacquiao has demolished Ricky Hatton, Oscar De La Hoya and Cotto in just under two years. Margarito doesn't have the guile, technique or industry of the above named so he really could be in trouble.

We know one thing; Margarito ought to come to fight and will press forward with more intent than the survival-first mindset of Joshua Clottey, when Pacquiao last fought at the Cowboys Stadium. That will afford Pac Man opportunities and plenty of them to test Margarito's state of mind as well as his remaining capacity for punishment. It took Mosley nine rounds to finally fell Margarito but only after nearly half an hour of shelling him with right hands. Pacquiao does possess that sharper and probably harder punch power but he might have to work at wearing down his man.

It seems that the political and social circus which surrounds Pacquiao has been more demanding than usual given his elected position in the Philippines and even coach Freddie Roach has described the initial training camp as "the worst ever." It hasn't affected Pacquiao before but it might be another thing to factor into how long you think this fight might go.

But I think Margarito is tailor made for Pacquiao and the Filipino whirlwind will have ample time to tee off and soften up his man. How long Margarito lasts is difficult to gauge. Two years ago he would have soaked it up to lose on points ([3.65]) and that does appeal at the prices but with his stock at such a low, Margarito is vulnerable to the stoppage ([1.75]).

Should he win, Pacquiao will become a seven weight World Champion and despite all the talk about Maragrito's near and murky past, Pac Man the smiling assassin usually finds a way of reminding fans why they love him so.

Recommended Bet:
Back Pacquiao to win KO/TKO/DQ @ [1.68] 4PTS (scale 0-10)

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