Muhammad Ali denies predicting Manny Pacquiao over Floyd Mayweather

Muhammad AliReuters

Muhammad Ali is not siding with Filipino Manny Pacquiao when he faces off with Floyd Mayweather Jr. this coming May 2. His publicist refuted claims made by TMZ stating that Ali would be supporting Pacquiao all the way.

TMZ actually took the quote from Ali's daughter, Rasheda, baring that his father looked up to Manny not because of what he did in the ring but what he did outside. Apparently this was in reference to the charitable side of Pacquiao.

The Muhammad Ali Center website clarified this misunderstanding which ended by wishing both Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao the best of luck when the two get it on this May 2, 2015 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Ali, 73, is currently in a fight of his own against Parkinsons disease. He is not expected to be at ringside to watch Mayweather and Pacquiao get it on. Ali has not attended a fight in years.

Despite his absence, Ali shares the same view as most, believing that their tiff will be one for the record books. Ali will watch the fight right in the walls off his own home.

Both Mayweather and Pacquiao are in intense training as fight day approaches rapidly. With less than a month to go, Mayweather and Pacquiao are expected to take it up a notch as they try to focus and strategize in what is considered the fight of the century.

Mayweather is a 2-1 favorite but many believe that Pacquiao has a fighting chance to hand Mayweather Jr. his first boxing career loss.

But all that may depend on how patient and wise Pacquiao would be considering Mayweather is expected to use his defensive prowess and strike when the time is right.

Pacquiao cannot afford to be careless and make a mistake since doing so may prove to be costly on his behalf.