Pacquiao vs. Rios Welterweight Clash Live Stream, Schedule, Betting Odds & Results
Manny Pacquiao is ready to begin his second chapter of his boxing career on an emphatic note as he guns for the jugular against Californian hard-hitting brawler Brandon Rios, few hours from now, Saturday at the Venetian Macao in Macau, China.
Pacquiao, who claimed world championship in eight different divisions, is trying to keep his boxing career relevant after two straight setbacks at the hands of Timothy Bradley (split decision loss) and Juan Manuel Marquez (six round TKO loss) in 2012.
Meanwhile, Rios stressed he won't be just an ordinary 'tune up' fighter for Pacquiao. In fact, the boxer with Mexican blood plans to finally send the Filipino champ to his retirement.
Battle in Asia's Las Vegas
Pacquiao enters the ring as the favourite to win this match at minus-450 while Rios is at plus 370. Many boxing experts prediction is the match will end by the way of knockout because of the reputation of these fighters as heavy punchers. Las Vegas set the over/under at 9.5 rounds with over pegged at plus -235 and under at minus-160.
According to reports, Pacquiao is due to receive $18 million tax free for this fight, while Rios is out to pocket $4 million as his guaranteed fight purse. These numbers are expected to increase once the Pay-per-View results are announced.
The Pacquiao vs. Rios is expected to shatter PPV records, thanks to its large Chinese markets and additional buys in the United States. Top Rank, the chief promoter of the bout, worked out with Asia Sands to sell the PPV of fight to China's 1.34 billion market at an average price of $5. Americans can purchase the PPV service at $60-$70 price tag in the United States on HBO.
Experts Pick
As expected, boxing experts and pundits picked Pacquiao to win his upcoming showdown with Rios all because of his advantages in speed, power and experience against high-level opponents in the ring. However, Rios still presents a great danger to Pacquiao because of the Californian's punching power and great chin.
Rios is coming off the best training camp of his career, which is further enhanced, following the arrival of former Pacman's conditioning coach Alex Ariza to his camp. Pacquiao, on the other hand, logged a total of five months for what surely is a make-or-break fight in his career.
ESPN formed a panel of boxing experts to know the prediction for the Pacquiao vs. Rios rumble, and all of them see the Pacman winning the fight.
"It's a must-win for Pacquiao, and I think he has the right guy in front of him to take it. Pacquiao is too fast and powerful, and he'll get his much-needed victory by late knockout," ESPN veteran writer Dan Rafael predicted a Pacquiao win via knockout in the early rounds.
Live Streaming & Schedule
Pacquiao vs. Rios will start at 10:00 a.m (Perth/Philippine time) on HBO Pay-per-View and Local Sports Station in Australia. Results will be posted here right after the main card. Live chat and additional information will be available on the comment box below.