A statement has been released, indicating that the information was incorrect that Muhammad Ali favors Manny Pacquiao in his upcoming May 2 welterweight showdown with Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas.
The Ali family issued a statement Thursday through its official spokesman, Bob Gunnell. He said Ali wishes both fighters luck but that he doesn’t have a favorite.
A recent quote by Ali’s daughter, Rasheda Ali, went viral on the internet when she allegedly told TMZ that “My dad really likes Manny. He’s a huge fan of his. He is Team Pacquiao.”
The family statement said that - “Muhammad never offered to anyone his prediction — and information that was published earlier this week and picked up by other media — is either a misquote or someone else’s personal opinion. The stories saying that Muhammad Ali has chosen a favorite in the fight are false.”
The statement added - “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.”
