Amir Khan has revealed that he is in talks to fight Manny Pacquiao in an epic showdown that could take place in Saudi Arabia.
The former light-welterweight world champion last turned out against long-term rival Kell Brook last February – having been away from the sport for almost three years – but fell to a disappointing loss.
However, despite retiring in May 2022 Khan has opened the door for a return to the ring in what would be an intriguing bout against boxing legend Pacquiao.
‘You’ve been hearing rumours Manny Pacquiao is in town.’ The 36-year-old told Mail Sport. ‘We are in talks. We’ve spoken a few times and that fight could happen. There’s a lot of interest in that fight between Manny Pacquiao and myself.
‘Manny is in town so this is where me and him will have a sit down. If it happens (the fight) here or somewhere else it would be great.
Khan revealed that he could make a sensational return to the ring against Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao is widely considered to be one of the greatest boxers in history
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Khan suffered defeat to long term rival Kell Brook in his final bout back in February last year
‘If I fight Manny Pacquiao I think it will be a brilliant fight. I’ve always looked up to him and we know each other quite well.’
Khan was handed a two-year ban from all sports back in April for failing a drugs test after his fight with Brook two years ago.
As he hasn’t fought since his fight with Brook, that ban was backdated to the date of his provisional suspension – meaning it will expire in April 2024.
Pacquiao, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest boxers of all time, last fought professionally against Yordenis Ugas. His defeat surrendered the WBA welterweight title he won at the age of 39.
In total the Filipino former fighter has won 12 major titles in eight different weight divisions and holds one of many distinctions as the only boxer to win the lineal championship in five weight classes.
The 44-year-old famously enjoyed high-profile welterweight clashes with the likes of Ricky Hatton, Oscar De La Hoya and Miguel Cotto before a long overdue match-up with Floyd Mayweather in 2015.
A return to the ring to face Khan is sure to whet the appetite of boxing fans around the world and Khan believes it is an occasion that will bring the best out of him.
‘Time wise it’s good for us both.’ He added. ‘That’s one fight that would lift me up again. I’d be like oh yeah I want to fight again. He’s a legend. The last fight with Brook wasn’t the same. It wasn’t big and there wasn’t enough money.
‘I was just chilling. I didn’t even want to be there. That fight with Manny Pacquiao will bring me back.’
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