Hall of fame boxing promoter Bob Arum described Manny Pacquiao as the "most unique fighter" he has ever promoted, even comparing the Filipino superstar to boxing great Muhammad Ali.

“Ali was beloved and he was larger than life but it was the same as with Pacquiao,” the Top Rank promotions chief told Gareth Davies in an interview over TelegraphTV.

Arum said Ali, who would usually refer to himself as “The Greatest”, would usually attract huge crowds whereever he went.

Ali, born Cassius Clay Jr., was known for his fighting style, making a name for himself with great handspeed, as well as swift feet and taunting tactics. His gift of gab made him one of the most beloved athletes in history.

The promoter said Pacquiao is essentially the same especially among his Filipino fans, citing their successful tour in the United Kingdom.

“You look outside here in London, it's a work day. And the place is loaded with Filipino people coming from God knows where just to look at this guy. I mean this is something phenomenal,” said Arum.

Arum said Ali may have been a “universal athlete” and was “the most popular of anybody” but Pacquiao is the most popular in a nation.

“I am talking about of a people, one people, of a nation plus the 11 million Filipinos who work around the world,” he said.

Arum noted that Pacquiao’s popularity in the Philippines is so great that even politicians attend his press conferences, which is not common among boxing superstars.

"With Manny, you'd understand. They (politicians) show up because it helps their career," he said.

Pacquiao is currently preparing himself for his May 2 superfight with Britain's boxing superstar Ricky Hatton. Their match, dubbed as "Battle of East and West," will take place at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.