Floyd Mayweather says Muhammad Ali is fifth best boxer ever

Floyd Mayweather has picked his five greatest fighters of all time and has caused fresh controversy after leaving heavyweight great Muhammad Ali down at No 5, with Sugar Ray Robinson not included at all.

The American superstar, who is unbeaten in 48 bouts, was asked to compile his own list of the sport’s best ever boxers in the wake of picking up another 'Fighter of the Year' award from the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.

Unsurprisingly, the 38-year-old with the 'The Best Ever' nickname reserved top spot for himself, but his list has raised a few eyebrows as Ali took the last available spot, while there was no place for the legendary Robinson.

Rocky Marciano, the man whose 49-0 record Mayweather will attempt to equal when he faces Andre Berto on September, was also another notable absentee.

Justifying his placing of Ali, Mayweather said on ESPN Deportes: "Ali - only one weight class and really lost to Ken Norton three times. What he did is he stood for a cause in an era when African Americans didn’t stand up for their people."

Describing the rest of his list, Mayweather said: "(Roberto Duran). Came up from lightweight to world champion at 160lbs. Love that guy. A legend.

"(Pernell Whitaker). Really, he beat Julio Cesar Chavez (the fight was a controversial draw). And he did beat my uncle Roger Twice.

"(Julio Cesar Chavez). Was 79-0 in different weight classes before he lost."

He’s beat more world champions than any other fighter in a shorter time and less fights than any other fighter.

But Mayweather’s most glowing praise was for himself, despite facing recent criticism for his decision to face Berto instead of the likes of Amir Khan and Keith Thurman.

"He’s beat more world champions than any other fighter in a shorter time and less fights than any other fighter," he said.

"Landed punches at the highest percentage and took less punishment. He’s been world champion 18 years in five different weight divisions."