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Carrie Stroup here reporting for Gambling911.com with some quick boxing news. We have it on good authority that Sportsbook.com plans to offer betting odds on the ESPN Espy Awards, which are handed out to the top sports figures of the past year. This year's big favorite to win "Best Fighter" is expected to be Philippine boxing sensation, Manny Pacquiao. Odds have yet to be released but he is likely to be contending with a few UFC fighters.
From ESPN.com:
The impressive hustle of MMAJunkie has unearthed some pleasant news for fans looking for a mainstream pat on the back: Both Lyoto Machida and Anderson Silva are up for ESPN's ESPY Award this year in the "Best Fighter" category.
It seems inevitable the award will go to Manny Pacquiao, a Filipino boxer who defied his size and expectations this year to throttle Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton -- though the revenge of karate is obviously way, way cooler. Fans who agree can cast a vote at ESPN.com.
Begun in 1993, the event confers eponymous awards, fully styled as Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, for individual and team athletic achievement and other sports-related performance during the calendar year preceding a given ceremony.
From their inception until 2004, the awards were chosen variously through voting by fans; sportswriters, broadcasters, sports executives, and sportspersons, collectively experts; or ESPN personalities.
....While we are on the subject of Manny Pacquiao, the last opponent he beat - Manchester, England's Ricky Hatton - is contemplating who he will fight next before a rumored retirement from the ring.
Boxing Scene reports it will likely be Steve Forbes. There is talk he may return at 147 instead of 140.
....The Sun reports that Floyd Mayweather Jr. insists he will reclaim his pound-for-pound crown when he faces Juan Manuel Marquez.
The undefeated American was due to make his comeback against Marquez next month before a rib injury forced the bout to be postponed.
The pair will meet up on September 19 with Mayweather a huge -450 favorite against Marquez who would pay $300 for every $100 bet with an upset.
Mayweather Jr. says: "I will destroy Marquez and reclaim my rightful place as boxing's pound-for-pound king all in one night.
"I am relieved to be cleared to fight as I was already looking forward to getting back in the ring."
Mayweather's return will take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Bet on all upcoming fights at Sportsbook.com
Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter
