'Pati misis at biyenan, kasama sa pusta': Confident Pinoys betting heavily on Pacquiao

With Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather finally climbing the ring this weekend, betting on the mega-fight is getting heavy in Las Vegas.

Sports fanatics from different walks of life have been putting in their bets for the mega-fight, with MGM Resorts International vice president of race and sports books Jay Rood revealing that his firm has collected $20 million to $25 million in bets.

"I think we’ll end up between $60m and $80m for this fight," he told The Guardian.

Pacquiao seemingly remains the people's champion, with more than three-quarters of all wagers being for the Filipino champion. The biggest wager so far is a $500,000 bet on Pacquiao.

These bettors include Filipinos in Las Vegas.

"Siyempre laban ito ni Pacquiao eh. Excited tayong manood sa Vegas itong laban nila. So masarap maglagay ng kaunting pera para makipagpusta," said first-time bettor Carlo Co, who put in a $100 wager said.

Another Pinoy, meanwhile, had eyes on a much bigger prize.

"Mga 100,000 sa peso, kay Pacquiao siyempre," said Rey Baybay on his bet.

Arnold Reyes, meanwhile, was so sure of a Pacquiao victory that he'd give up more than just money.

"Pati nga 'yung mother-in-law at misis ko, nakasangla na ngayon eh. Sigurado naman ako eh," Arnold Reyes quipped.



Doing it right

For Team Pacquiao member Jake Joson, those who are betting on the Pinoy boxer are doing it right.

According to him, the only question for bettors should be what round Pacquiao would give Mayweather his first loss.

"Talagang alam natin na mana-knock out ni Pambansang Kamao si Mayweather [in rounds] 5, 6, 7, 8... Hundred percent, I claim it already," he told GMA-7's 24 Oras on Friday.

He also revealed some of former Ilocos Sur governor and one of Pacquiao's biggest supporter Chavit Singson's betting secrets.

"Ang favorite niya, ito, 'will go 11 rounds' or 'will go 12 rounds,'" added Joson.

As a devout Christian, Pacquiao, for his part, is not too keen about all the betting that happens.

"May takot ako sa Panginoon, kaya hindi ako nagsusugal," said Pacquiao, who gave up vices such as cockfighting after his renewal of faith. -- Trisha Macas/JST, GMA News