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**Summary:**

Manny Pacquiao, at 46, is preparing for a WBC welterweight title fight against Mario Barrios, who is 16 years younger and has a significant height advantage. Despite being a 2-1 underdog, Pacquiao has attracted significant betting interest, including from sharp bettors who caused his odds to shorten. The fight is drawing parallels to Sugar Ray Leonard’s upset of Marvin Hagler after a long period of inactivity. The sports books are reporting significant action on the fight.

**News Article:**

**Pacquiao Faces Barrios as Underdog, Drawing Heavy Betting Action**

LAS VEGAS – Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, 46, returns to the ring Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena to challenge Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title. Despite his legendary status – holding 12 world titles across eight weight divisions and being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame – Pacquiao enters the fight as a 2-1 underdog to the younger Barrios.

Barrios, 30, is a -240 favorite, boasting a significant height advantage. However, Pacquiao’s odds have shortened considerably, fueled by interest from experienced bettors.

“We probably opened the price too high,” said John Murray, Westgate SuperBook vice president. “It wasn’t just public money that made that price come crashing down. The groups that took the 4-1 are people I really respect.”

The fight is drawing comparisons to Sugar Ray Leonard’s upset victory over Marvin Hagler after a three year hiatus. Like Leonard, Pacquiao is returning to the ring after a long period of inactivity, since a loss to Yordenis Ugas in August 2021.

Sportsbooks are reporting high betting volumes on the fight. Pacquiao is trying to become one of the oldest boxers to win a world title.

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