Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao: Muhammad Ali is behind Pacquiao 'all the way', reveals his daughter Rashida

Ali's friendship with Pacquiao dates back years and the three-time heavyweight world champion will be watching the fight on 2 May

Jack de Menezes
Tuesday 31 March 2015 15:30 BST
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Muhammad Ali pictured in 2013
Muhammad Ali pictured in 2013 (Getty Images)

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Muhammad Ali is backing Manny Pacquiao to beat Floyd Mayweather when the pair collide in their Las Vegas showdown.

Pacquiao and Mayweather will meet at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on 2 May in what will be the biggest fight ever seen in the sport in terms of the prize money on offer. A reported £170m-minimum purse will be up for grabs as two of the greatest boxers the sport has ever seen will seek to unify the welterweight division.

However, ‘The Greatest’ will be in Pacquiao’s corner when it comes to choosing a winner, as his daughter Rasheda Ali revealed that it’s his contribution outside of the ring that impresses the three-time heavyweight champion of the world.

Rasheda told TMZ Sports: “My dad is Team Pacquiao all the way. My dad really likes Manny. He’s a huge fan of his.

“He knows Manny’s a great fighter but it’s more about what he does outside the ring. He’s such a charitable person.”

Ali won the heavyweight championship three times during his illustrious career
Ali won the heavyweight championship three times during his illustrious career (Getty Images)

Rasheda also confirmed that while Ali will not be attending the fight, he will no doubt be watching it at home.

“There’s no question he’s going to order it. It takes my dad way back to when he was fighting,” she said.

Manny Pacquiao will meet Floyd Mayweather on 2 May
Manny Pacquiao will meet Floyd Mayweather on 2 May (Getty Images)

The friendship between the pair goes back for years and Rashida also explained why Ali prefers the Filipino over fellow-American Mayweather.

“My dad stood for things,” she added. “Mayweather … I don’t think there’s a comparison.”

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