Amir Khan gave his view to WBN on the imminent comeback of former target and training partner Manny Pacquiao.
The former two-weight world champion spoke to Worldboxingnews.com before he flew to Saudi Arabia for the Canelo vs. Scull event.
Khan answered questions on many topics, from the challenge Canelo faces on Saturday night to Pacquiao’s WBC welterweight title return.
Pacquiao, who shared a gym with Khan under Freddie Roach at the height of his powers, is lining up a sensational bout with Mario Barrios on July 19 in Las Vegas.
However, when WBN asked about his views on the Filipino superstar fighting at 46 after a four-year absence, Khan issued a word of caution.
“I know Barrios really well, and I think he’s a great fight for Manny Pacquiao. I think he wins that fight.” Khan exclusively told World Boxing News.
“I’ve trained with Manny and Barrios, and I just think the younger, fresher fighter will win that fight.”
On Pacquiao being 46 and continuing way past his prime, Khan said, “I think Manny’s had his best days now.
“I just hope it’s not because of financial reasons. Let’s hope it’s not like that, you know.
“That’s what hurts the most, when great champions like Manny Pacquiao have to come back to the ring to fight to make that money.
“It’s quite sad to see,” he added.
Khan, who last fought against Kell Brook in 2022, has chased a Manny Pacquiao fight himself for over a decade. As with a Floyd Mayweather challenge, promoters often dangled the clash in front of Khan.
Both never transpired as Khan cut a frustrated figure. Instead, Khan shared the ring with Danny Garcia, Terence Crawford, Lamont Peterson, and many other big names.
Pacquiao faced many top opponents as he won world titles in eight weight divisions and became the oldest 147-pound champion in 2019.
‘Pac-Man’ defeated Keith Thurman in Las Vegas but lost in his first defense against Yordenis Ugas two years later. He hung up his gloves, but has continued to compete in exhibition fights.
His last attempt against kickboxer Rukiya Anpo didn’t go well, but that hasn’t deterred the WBN Fighter of the Decade for 2000 to 2009.
The ex-Senator put his boxing career on hold to regain his political position in the Philippines. After May 12, Pacquiao will know if his bid was successful.
Then, an announcement will be made regarding a swansong event on the Nevada desert’s world-famous strip.
Despite the buzz about Pacquiao lacing them up again, Khan is unsure it’s a good idea.
Regarding his failure to nail Pacquiao down, WBN asked the Bolton native if there had been any contact since a prank about the fight.
Khan replied, “I don’t know anything that’s going on with the Pacquiao thing.
“It was more an April Fool’s thing that I did, and it’s just one of those things that I did.”
He added. “I’d love for it to happen one day, but if it happens, it happens, and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t.
“Obviously, Manny is a legend, and you want to share the ring with legends, don’t you? But it was more like an April Fool’s thing, even though I’d love to fight him.
“It would be amazing, but I can’t really see it happening. There have been talks for a long time, and it hasn’t happened. It never seems to happen.
“At this point, I’ve kind of given up on it, to be honest with you.”
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Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay and learn more about the author, an experienced boxing writer and World Boxing News Editor since 2010.
