Fight odds: Pacquiao heavy favorite

MANILA, Philippines - Bob Arum is not going to rely on the betting lines as the Top Rank CEO sizes up Jeff Horn’s chances against WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao in Brisbane on July 2.

Arum was quoted a few weeks ago saying that Horn stands a very good chance of pulling off the kind of upset that’s never been seen for quite some time in the sport.

Arum told The STAR the other day he doesn’t really know what to expect when the young and determined Australian faces the Filipino superstar.

“I don’t know if he (Horn) can win,” said Arum over the phone, who flew to Brisbane to join Pacquiao and Horn in a three-city press tour.

“But if he’s (Horn) not going to win he will give Manny a good fight,” said Arum.

Early odds have placed Pacquiao, 38, as the overwhelming favorite. BET365.com has the fighting senator at -1200, meaning you need to put $1,200 to win $100.

Horn, 16-0-1 in a professional career that started just after the 2012 London Olympics, is at +600, meaning every wager of $100 wins $600.

Arum said Horn has a shot at Pacquiao.

“He’s a very strong kid and he’s a very good counterpuncher. He knows it’s the fight of his life,” said Arum.

“If Jeff Horn wins this fight he’ll be a rich, rich man,” added the American promoter.

During the press tour, Pacquiao finally had the chance to meet Horn, and tried to put himself in the shoes of the 29-year-old challenger.

“I know what it is like to be young and hungry. Many times I would lie awake and dream of my chance. I like this fight with Jeff Horn because he stands and fights, he does not run away in the ring. It will be a very exciting fight for the fans,” Pacquiao told the press in Brisbane.