World-rated welterweight Amir Khan spoke to WBN on Friday evening to express his thoughts on the current Manny Pacquiao situation.
Pacquiao was currently being linked to a rematch with Floyd Mayweather in 2019. But this week, rumors emerged that Mayweather wants a warm-up, potentially with Adrien Broner in Tokyo.
This could open the door for Khan to battle his old training partner as Mayweather faces Broner, with the two winners meeting each other in a blockbuster event.
Following his victory over Samuel Vargas last month, Khan is now two fights into his comeback and wants to seal a huge collision with Pacquiao next.
“Obviously, there’s been a lot of rumors going around. There were talks of me versus Pacquiao and now Pacquiao v Broner and even Mayweather v Pacquiao 2 happening,” Khan exclusively told World Boxing News.
“Manny is in a position where he’s talking to a lot of other fighters. But it’s a fight I’d love to have with Manny Pacquiao. We trained together, and I think he’s a great champion. He’s been in with some of the best fighters in the world.
“I think being in the ring with him, he’s at the age where I don’t want him to leave boxing, and I never get that opportunity.
“We’ve sparred with each other, and I feel I have the style to beat him. But we both bring a lot to the table, and this would be a great fight, like a chess match.
“In terms of revenue, I bring a lot of the UK, Middle East, and the Asian market to the table for this fight. Also, being Fight of the Year in America and fighting big names over there, I think me versus Pacquiao would be a mega-fight.”
BROOK
Asked about possibly trading blows with Kell Brook as an alternative, Khan stated he would hold out for Pacquiao. But wouldn’t rule it out in the immediate future.
“The reason I would pick this fight over Kell Brook is that globally it’s a bigger fight. Don’t get me wrong, I think Kell is a great fighter, and it will be massive in the UK. I’d also love to give the UK fans that fight, and I will give them that fight,” he explained.
“If it makes sense, it can happen in the next few months. Anything can happen in boxing. But I want the Pacquiao fight.
“I’m trying to make the biggest fight for me, so if it doesn’t happen this year, then next year definitely.
“We are with the same promoter in Eddie Hearn, so that fight is a strong possibility, and I’d love that fight. It’s a stadium fight.
“In December or early next year, we can’t do an (outdoor) stadium. And after seeing the big fights there (Joshua v Klitschko, Povetkin), I want to be one of those guys to say, ‘I filled out Wembley Stadium’ – so let’s see what happens.
“It’s only been four weeks since my last fight, so I’m having a break now, but I don’t want to be messed around by Pacquiao or whoever is talking to him.
“If Pacquiao wants it, I want to put this out there – ‘I’m ready – and I want to fight you!’ Financially it will make big money,” Khan added.
