Odds Are 08.29.09: Mayweather/Marquez

As go Vegas odds, so goes public opinion. So what do the high rollers in Vegas say about Mayweather/Marquez?

Everything in Vegas can be worked out to two things: numbers and dollars. Sports, particularly boxing, doesn't fail in this either. Most big fights, and even some of the smaller ones out here, give those looking to make a quick buck a chance to test their knowledge of the fight game and to test their luck as well. And usually as the odds swing, so swings public opinion of the fight. "Odds Are" that every other week, we'll check out what the odds are saying about different fights here in Las Vegas, and if they on track or way off.

For September 19th's bout between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez, the Odds Are:

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino (Las Vegas Strip)
Floyd Mayweather Jr. -400
Juan Manuel Marquez +330

Round Proposition Bet -- Based on 11 1/2 rounds
Will Go +110
Won't Go -130


BodogSports (online)
Floyd Mayweather Jr. -350
Juan Manuel Marquez +275

For those who have never bet in a Las Vegas sportsbook, odds are best understood by bets of $100. Odds beginning with a minus (-) indicate a favorite, and winning bets will consist of mostly wagered money. Odds beginning with a plus (+) indicate an underdog, and winning bets will consist of mostly prize money. For example, using the Mandalay Bay numbers, a winning $100 bet on Juan Manuel Marquez will win a prize of $330 dollars. Therefore, the bettor would walk away with $430 (the original $100 plus the $330 prize money). Conversely, a bet on Floyd Mayweather would require a $400 bet to win $100; a $100 bet would only earn a prize of $25 (the bettor would then walk away with $125).

Although common perception is that Floyd's the favorite, momentum is building for Marquez. People are starting to put their fingers on attributes he has that tell people IF it's going to happen, it's going to happen this way or that way. So as the fight gets closer, don't be surprised if the odds shrink closer too. Over 3 to 1 odds on Marquez is not a bad value bet, and may be worth your time.

In addition, Mandalay Bay is offering a rounds proposition bet. For this bet to pay, the line is 1 minute and 31 seconds into the eleventh round. I'm surprised that the favorite is in the Won't Go. Marquez has a chin, and he's been in many a war. I don't see Floyd delivering anywhere near that kind of punishment. Try making a small bet on the Will Go, because I think this fight will see the cards.