Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao: 'Mayweather has megalomania. To compare him to Ali or Robinson is a joke,' says Bob Arum

Pacquiao's promoter has launched an attack on the American

Bob Arum and Manny Pacquiao during the Filipino's training camp (GETTY IMAGES)

Manny Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum has hit out at Floyd Mayweather describing the unbeaten American as a "megalomaniac" for comparing himself to Muhammad Ali.

Mayweather takes on Pacquiao in Las Vegas on 2 May in the most lucrative fight in boxing history which is set to generate more than £300m for the pair. The money will be split 60/40 in Mayweather's favour.

The 38-year-old Mayweather, unbeaten in 47 fights and favourite to extend that record against Pacquiao, 36, in Las Vegas on May 2, is scathing of the five losses Ali endured during a celebrated career spanning 56 bouts.

"No disrespect to Muhammad Ali, but he did it in one division. I just look at Ali's career when he fought Leon Spinks and lost to a fighter with seven fights," 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. It is what it is.

"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. I could care less about the backlash."

Pacquiao's promoter Arum, who had promoted Mayweather earlier in his career, said it was a "joke" for him to be compared to the greats.

"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."