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Oddsmakers are thus far reluctant to release odds on the Pacquiao-Hatton fight, which could turn out to be the biggest boxing match of 2009. Both have massive followings in their respective countries (Hatton: England and Pacquiao the Philippines).
Getting this fight scheduled was like pulling teeth, but by Friday night it was finally confirmed.
Manny Pacquiao has finally ended the deal or no deal uncertainty over his May 2 showdown with Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton when he confirmed "the fight is on" according to the BoxingScene.com.
In a telephone conversation with BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports, Pacquiao explained the delay in finally agreeing to the fight, saying "I have to think first before I make any decision. Its not an easy decision to make. I am not that stupid to agree right away. I don't want to get screwed."
Pacquiao was clearly happy at the developments but didn't wish to discuss details of the agreement he reached with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum whose best offer was a $12 million guarantee and a 52-48 revenue split which Pacquiao had turned down while pushing for a $13 million guarantee.
Promoters for both fighters said Wednesday the fight is off, with little chance of it being revived.
"You never say never, but right now it's off," Arum told the AP on Wednesday. "Hatton's shopping around for a new opponent now."
"We will likely see some odds on Pacquiao-Hatton going up over the course of the week," said Tyrone Black of Gambling911.com.
Online gambling firms the likes of Sportingbet.com would want to get a jump start on this bout. Of course, they are focused this weekend on the very lopsided Antonio Margarito-Shane Mosley matchup in LA.
Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
