Mayweather says he's No 1, places Ali at No 5

Cape Town - Floyd Mayweather has listed himself at the top of his list of the five greatest boxers of all time - and has placed Muhammad Ali at No 5.

According to the Stuff website, Mayweather produced his list at the request of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, who named him their fighter of the year.

Mayweather, unbeaten over 48 fights, 26 by way of knockout, revealed his reasons as he collected his gong.

Speaking about himself, he said: "He's beat more world champions than any other fighter in a shorter time and less fights than any other fighter. Landed punches at the highest percentage and took less punishment. He's been world champion 18 years in five different weight divisions."

As to why he placed Ali, a hugely popular figure, only fifth, Mayweather said: "Only one weight class and really lost to Ken Norton three times. Muhammad Ali lost to Leon Spinks and Leon Spinks only had seven fights when he beat him. What he did is he stood for a cause in an era when African Americans didn't stand up for their people."