Bob Arum has been involved in boxing for over 50 years.
The Top Rank CEO has worked with some of the biggest names in the sport throughout his legendary career as a promoter.
When it came to naming his favourite fighter of all time, Arum told ESPN about which big names were ranked from three to five on his list.
“[Hagler] was the most loyal, stand-up guy I ever worked with. A tremendous fighter with great resolve. [Foreman] changed his persona and had such a big impact on our culture. He became the most loveable guy. [Mayweather] had extraordinary ability and he backed it up in the ring.”
Marvin Hagler, George Foreman and Floyd Mayweather were each legends in their own right, and it is another boxing icon in Manny Pacquiao that Arum had as his number two favourite of all time.
“His life story is amazing. He [Pacquiao] came from virtually nothing to captivate an entire country.”
Pacquiao’s illustrious career is set to continue on July 19, when he returns to boxing after a four-year absence to challenge Mario Barrios for his WBC welterweight title.
While the Filipino great may have been number two on Arum’s list, when it came to naming his number one favourite ever, he had to look no further than Muhammad Ali.
“He was a world figure. People loved him wherever he went, but he was also a great fighter.”
Ali is viewed by many as being the greatest of all time, but that didn’t stop another fighter from recently declaring that he is the best ever instead.
