Bob Arum says Manny Pacquiao is backed by America

David Cooper - Writer 10:32 28/04/2015
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  • American idol: Manny Pacquiao has a huge following in America.

    Bob Arum has told Floyd Mayweather America will be on Manny Pacquiao’s side this weekend and has branded the self-confessed ‘Best Ever’ as a megalomaniac.

    With the clock ticking for the Las Vegas superfight, an initial period of humility on Mayweather’s behalf has since given way to his trademark arrogance and brashness. 

    Earlier this week, Mayweather compared himself to Muhammad Ali, even questioning the boxing legend’s achievements against his, due to him only fighting in the heavyweight division. 

    Mayweather said: “There were some other fights he lost and he’s still known as The Greatest because that’s what he put out there… He called himself The Greatest and I call myself TBE (The Best Ever). I’m pretty sure I’ll get criticised for what I said, but I couldn’t care less.”

    Pacquiao’s promoter Arum has branded the claims a “joke” and says his fighter’s more modest approach will ensure he will be the peoples’ choice on Saturday night.

    Arum said: “Floyd Mayweather is an excellent, excellent fighter, a great technician but to compare him to Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson or to Ray Leonard is a joke.

    “Floyd has megalomania, he believes that because of his accomplishments he rules everything he surveys and do what he pleases.

    “I think the overwhelming support of the American people is to Manny Pacquiao because of the kind of person he is.

    “I think Americans really respect a religious man, a God-fearing man who really and truly believes in those principles.”

    Arum added: “I am supremely confident that Manny Pacquiao will not only beat Mayweather but will beat him up and may very well knock him out. I am that confident.”

    Meanwhile, British boxer David Haye has published a video on his Instagram page thanking fans for support after he was held in Dubai over an “administrative 
    error”, believed to be a bounced cheque.

    Haye had his passport seized and was questioned by police after a cheque for Dh1.8million, regarding a payment for a property in the UAE, reportedly bounced.

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