Many folks see Mayweather as one of the best boxers ever. He had a 21-year career as a pro, winning world titles in five different weight classes. He never lost a fight. Mayweather beat some tough opponents like Canelo Alvarez, Miguel Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya, and Manny Pacquiao.
The fight with Pacquiao in 2015 was a big deal. People called it "The Fight Of The Century." Mayweather thinks he's the best boxer ever. But Arum doesn't agree.
In a chat with Sky Sports Boxing, Arum said:
"Floyd Mayweather is an excellent, excellent fighter, a great technician. To compare him to Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson or to [Sugar] 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."
Arum named three fighters he thinks are clearly better than Mayweather. Sugar Ray Robinson is often called the best pound-for-pound boxer ever. He was fast, strong, and skilled. Robinson won 173 fights in his career.
Muhammad Ali, known as "The Greatest," changed heavyweight boxing. He had quick feet, a sharp wit, and wasn't afraid to speak up about important issues. Ali got people's attention both in and out of the ring.
Sugar Ray Leonard brought Robinson's style and Ali's charm into modern boxing. He won world titles in five weight classes and was one of the most popular fighters of the 1980s.
Arum's words remind us that in boxing, being undefeated doesn't always mean you're the greatest. The debate about who's the best will likely continue for a long time.