Not at all. Mayweather is the highest paid athlete and Pacquiao is a god in the Philippines, but here we are 40 years after his prime still talking about Ali. Tyson, though more of a Greek Tragedy, is still a name that most people recognize. Part of it is that both Ali and Tyson were heavyweights and for some reason, the heavyweights are the representatives of boxing to the rest of the world. Most of us fans of the sport recognize the great fighters like Mayweather, Pacquiao, Duran, Hagler, Hearns, etc... but those names do not transcend the sport.

Ali is known as much for his life outside the ring as in it. He inserted himself into history from the history of boxing, to the history of sport, to the history of the world. I seriously doubt there will be another fighter to ever match the iconic status of Ali. Tyson, has re-emerged from the infamy of his fall and has managed to rehabilitate his image. He plays parts in movies and TV shows now that highlight his humanity so he is becoming a rounded human being and that is allowing people to go back, look at his accomplishments, see his problems, and accept that he is moving past them.

I think that if Pacquiao continues in politics and continues to ascend into higher office, then he may become more of an icon. He will need to keep himself clean however. Politics is a dirtier business than boxing and the temptation for corruption can destroy people. I don't see the same path for Mayweather. Perhaps if he really challenges himself and fights the most dangerous fighters, then uses his wealth in positive ways after leaving the sport, then he may gain status. He seems to be retreating somewhat from the "Money" persona, but he may be too flawed, and not have the right kind of people around him to maintain his wealth once he retires. He loves to gamble and live the lifestyle, which may create celebrity,but it doesn't bring about true cultural icon status.

In short NO! Mayweather is a jerk, so no one likes him personally. Pacquaio is a good guy with great boxing skills, but he's not American, and he is not a big guy. Tyson was popular, because he knocked opponents out, and fast. He was a killer, yet he was likable with his high voice, and people felt sorry for him in a way, as far as his personal life went. Ali had a unique boxing style at the time, and was very flamboyant. He also declined to go to war, and spent jail time. People respected what he did, that and his name change, because of his Muslim faith. The other thing is he reinvented himself after his jail time, and was able to take a lot of punches and still win. By the way, Mayweather Jr. and Pacman, are not even at Sugar Ray Leonard's level as far as Pop Culture Icons.

I think Manny Pacquiao is more of an icon in the Philippines more so than Floyd Mayweather is an icon for America because Manny Pacquiao is their only boxing icon at this time while America has mulitiple boxing icons because America is where the best boxers around the world go to get worldwide recognition.

Not quite. Ali's charisma and Tyson's mystique are unmatched.