Boxing News 2015: Muhammad Ali’s Publicist Slams Report That Client Picked Manny Pacquiao Over Floyd Mayweather
Boxing Hall of Famer Muhammad Ali has not yet picked sides on the super fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr., his publicist clarifies in an official statement. The clearing up of the matter comes after a TMZ Sports article came out quoting Ali’s daughter, Rasheda, that her father is backing the Filipino boxer in the upcoming mega-bout.
The Las Vegas resident Rasheda expounded that her father is behind “Pacman” not only because of his skills inside the ring but more due to his personality and charitable works outside it. She also added that the boxing legend stood for things and hinted that backing Mayweather would go against those principles. Apparently, these claims appear to be untrue or that there is some conflict in the Ali household after his publicist slammed those reports that even insinuated that his client who made boxing a household name is “Team Pacquiao.” In the latest statement, Ali’s publicist clarified that the Nevada hall of Fame-bound boxer has not chosen sides and will be a mere spectator in the May 2 match at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“The stories saying that Muhammad Ali has chosen a favorite in the fight are false. Muhammad has the utmost respect for both fighters who will undoubtedly give boxing fans an incredible match. He believes the significance of this fight will rival other historic matches. Muhammad Ali will join the rest of the world on May 2 to watch this match-up,” Ali’s publicist said in the official press release published first by Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports.
The development serves as some kind of buzz kill for followers of the Filipino congressman given that quite a number of boxing personalities have already leaned towards the pound-for-pound undefeated Mayweather. At the moment, the 38-year-old “Money” Mayweather is still the 2-1 odds favourite in vegas betting sites but reports are coming in that action for Pacquiao are pouring in as the fight draws near, an indication that many are counting on an upset.
The fight is expected to be the most lucrative in the history of boxing with ticket prices going on sale from $1,500 to $7,500 depending on the proximity of the seats. Scalpers have even driven up the prices of such tickets with some going in on the black market as high as $90,000 per ticket. Pacquaio and Mayweather stand to gain at least $100 million each from pay-per-view buys after it was announced today that the cost would be at least $89 for each subscription.
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