Thursday 2 April 2015 19:12, UK
Bob Arum believes more fans are rooting for Manny Pacquiao than for Floyd Mayweather ahead of their big showdown next month.
The pair will square off for the first time in Las Vegas on May 2, live on Sky Box Office, in a bout that is the most lucrative in the sport's history.
But despite the fight being held in Mayweather's home town, Pacquiao's promoter Arum believes more Americans will be backing the Filipino because of his personality.
Arum, who has had a long-running feud with Mayweather, told Sky Sports News HQ: "Both guys are rated among the all-time greats whoever wins.
"If Pacquiao wins, it's a significant victory for Filipinos and lot of people in the US.
"Most Americans you would think would be rooting for Mayweather, but the contrast is true. The majority of the American population is rooting for Manny."
Arum also compared the showdown with the first encounter between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1971 because of the differences between the boxers.
He added: "It’s slowly developing into a culture clash. Floyd Mayweather is outstanding at marketing himself and in his own words represents ostentatious materialism.
"He talks about how much money he makes and the cars he drives.
"Manny Pacquiao is dedicated to his Christian beliefs, all he’s accomplished is based on the will of God.
"He feels a tremendous obligation to give back and engage in charitable endeavours. People are picking up on the contrasts between the two young men."
Mayweather v Pacquiao is live on Sky Sports Box Office and the cost of the event will be £19.95 / €24.95 across all forms of booking, up until midnight Friday, May 1. From then on the cost will still be £19.95 / €24.95 if bookings are made via remote control and online, but will cost £24.95 / €29.95 if booked via the phone.
Please note an additional £2 booking fee still applies if bookings are made via a telephone agent. Cable customers please contact your operator for booking information
