Exciting Night of Boxing at MGM Grand
Boxing fans are gearing up for an exciting night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas as Manny Pacquiao makes his long-awaited return to the ring. After a four-year hiatus from professional boxing, the legend will face Mario Barrios in a bout for the WBC welterweight championship. At 46 years old, Pacquiao aims to reclaim the record for the oldest fighter to win a welterweight title, a title he previously held after defeating Keith Thurman in 2019 at the age of 40.
Pacquiao’s Comeback
Pacquiao’s comeback comes after a disappointing performance in his last fight against Yordenis Ugas in 2021, where he was decisively outpointed and lost by unanimous decision. The fight saw Ugas land significantly more punches than Pacquiao, raising questions about the Filipino fighter’s ability against younger competitors after such a lengthy absence.
Co-Main Event: Fundora vs. Tszyu
The card also features an intriguing co-main event where WBC and WBO junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora takes on Tim Tszyu in a rematch. Fundora, despite being the reigning champion, is considered the underdog after he managed to outpoint Tszyu in a previous encounter that ended in a split decision earlier this year. In that first bout, Tszyu started strong but had to overcome adversity when a cut from a clash of heads impacted his performance, affecting his strategy for the remainder of the fight.
Heavyweight Championship: Usyk vs. Dubois
Before the action in Las Vegas, heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will head to Wembley Stadium in London to face Daniel Dubois in a rematch for the WBC, WBO, and WBA titles. Usyk secured a ninth-round knockout against Dubois in their last encounter, but not without controversy. The fight included a disputed knockdown in Round 5 when Dubois landed what some believed was a legal body shot that was ruled a low blow.
Betting Insights
Betting insights suggest that Pacquiao’s underdog status is an intriguing narrative given his age and absence from the sport, making it a gamble to consider him for a victory. Analysts recommend betting on the fight going the distance, with confidence that Pacquiao will remain competitive throughout the bout, supported by his enduring physicality from rigorous training.
In the co-main event, Fundora and Tszyu’s fight promises excitement as Fundora’s imposing height could play a crucial role against Tszyu’s skill and unpredictability in striking. With multiple strategies at play due to their contrasting styles, viewers can expect a thrilling contest as both aim for victory.
Lastly, Usyk’s position as a heavy favorite in his bout against Dubois is well-founded, given his track record against elite opponents like Tyson Fury. Betting experts advise either placing Usyk as a central bet in parlays or considering a wager on a decision victory, which could provide profitable returns.