Opening Odds For Pacquiao vs McGregor in Boxing Match

• A potential super-fight between Manny Pacquiao vs Conor McGregor is garnering hype lately
• Sportsbooks have posted odds on the hypothetical matchup
• McGregor is the underdog, but not nearly as big a longshot as when he faced Floyd Mayweather

A hypothetical fight between Manny Pacquiao vs Conor McGregor is drumming up a lot of attention. Since McGregor started his UFC comeback earlier in the year, he has also mentioned goals of wanting to return to boxing.

After the Irishman’s Floyd Mayweather bout generated as much interest (and money) as it did, it seems like the UFC star wants a crack at another big name in the boxing world. It does not get much bigger than Manny Pacquiao, the reigning WBA welterweight champion. A super-fight with Pac-Man creates a confluence of Conor’s goals, which are to get a big box-office money fight while vying for a world boxing title.

Sportsbooks have already posted odds on the potential matchup, and they are giving Notorious a fighting chance in what would be just his second career professional boxing match.

Pacquiao vs McGregor Odds

Odds taken Feb. 16

After a period of legal issues and tabloid drama, McGregor seems to be refocused and is looking to maintain a regular combat-sports schedule. This doesn’t just extend to more Octagon forays. McGregor very much wants to get back in the boxing ring and showcase his skills within the sweet science.

On the logistics side of things, this fight would likely take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, a soon-to-be-opened venue with a 60,000-person capacity. Pacquiao’s team even went as far as to put together mock posters for the theorized bout with that specific venue listed on the mock poster.

Will Pacquiao vs McGregor Ever Happen?

The rumor mill really got buzzing when Pacquiao signed with the same management company as McGregor. This also reignited talks of Zuffa Boxing, the promotional entity that UFC president Dana White is looking to eventually helm. Pacquiao vs McGregor would be the perfect prizefight to get Zuffa Boxing off the ground in the biggest and best way possible.

Manny Pacquiao has signed with the same management company that reps Conor McGregor. https://t.co/ugZQw9EiLQ

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 11, 2020

McGregor has also indicated an interest in a rematch with Money Mayweather, but Pacquiao is the name that’s coming up more often of late, as he’s still an active boxer, unlike Mayweather.

Who Should Be Favored Between Pac-Man and Notorious?

Based on the betting lines for McGregor vs Pacquiao as compared to the odds ahead of Mayweather vs McGregor (-350/+265 in favor of Mayweather), oddsmakers are giving Conor a better chance at beating the Filipino pugilist.

Conor has used Floyd as an example since he’s a mutual opponent of both him and Manny. He has stated that, in his fight with Floyd, he actually landed more punches. McGregor also felt he won more rounds than against Mayweather than Pacquiao did.

Combat-sports math rarely checks out and I read the situation as more of an effort from McGregor to goad a reaction from Pacquiao. If anything, Manny is a worse matchup stylistically than Mayweather was.

Admittedly, some of that is predicated on which Pacquiao shows up. There have been some bouts where Pacquiao hasn’t fought with the same venom and fight-ending intent that was seen in his more iconic performances. If berserker Pacquiao shows up, it could be a short night for McGregor. A focused and ferocious Pacquiao could certainly finish Conor inside the distance.

Based on recent performances, it seems like there has been a bit of a resurgence on Manny Pacquiao’s end. I see the odds getting more slanted in Pacquiao’s favor if this fight is officially confirmed. Taking Pacquiao now at -250 is a solid investment.

Pick: Manny Pacquiao (-250)