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29 March 2024

#MayPac: Amir Khan predicts Mayweather win... wants to fight Pacquiao in UAE

Amir Khan (left) hits Devon Alexander during their welterweight bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 13, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Getty)

Published
By Allaam Ousman
 

British boxer Amir Khan has revived interest in a dream showdown with Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao in the UAE later this year.

Both fighters have scheduled bouts for next month, with Pacquiao preparing to face Floyd Mayweather on May 2 in what is billed as the ‘fight of the century’; Khan takes on Chris Algieri in New York on May 29.

Whatever the outcome, Khan is hoping to line up a fight in either Abu Dhabi or Dubai in November-December this year.

“I want this fight. I would love to box Manny,” Khan, a former sparring partner of Pacquiao, told the Daily Mail.

“We’ve been looking at an event in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is only a short drive away. It’s a dream of mine to fight in that part of the world.”

The only stumbling block is the chance of a re-match between Pacquiao and Mayweather, particularly if the Filipino boxer wins the Las Vegas fight.

Khan, however, said he expects Mayweather to emerge victorious on May 2.

“I actually think that once Mayweather gets through Manny’s assault in the first few rounds it will become an easy win for him.

“Manny has speed and power but Floyd has the defensive skill to avoid him and the brain and accuracy to keep picking him off as he comes in,” he said.

“The longer it goes the harder it will get for Manny and if he is to win he will have to keep up the pace through every minute of every round.”

Khan is focussing on a clash with the Filipino great after failing in his efforts for a Vegas fight with Mayweather.

According to the Daily Mail, Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum has proposals for a bout against Khan, which could take place in the UAE in November or December this year.

In fact, the UAE was seriously being considered as a venue for a title fight between Manny Pacquiao and British boxer Amir Khan if the proposed May 2 showdown between Floyd Mayweather and the Filipino ring legend did not take place.

Khan emerged as the top welterweight contender after outclassing American Devon Alexander in December and emerged as a Plan B option for Pacquiao who had been chasing Mayweather for the last five years.

Khan, 28, wants to take on the best in the sport in the peak of his career and has also been calling out to Mayweather.

The Bolton fighter even issued a five-day deadline which expired on January 16 for Mayweather to agree to fight him.

Already a two-time world champion, Khan demonstrated he certainly has the 'fastest pair of hands' and great boxing acumen to shut out his Alexander.

"I really believe I've earned my shot against the best boxer in the world, and that's Floyd Mayweather," said Khan (30-3-19KOs), targeting a bout against Mayweather or Pacquiao after retaining his WBC Silver welterweight title in Las Vegas in December.

Although Mayweather dismissed his challenge by saying he is not a big enough name for pay-per-view events, Khan proved to be a big draw when he was in holiday in Dubai.

Before the 'Fight of the Century' was finalised, Pacquiao's long-time adviser Michael Koncz told BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard/Viva Sports that Amir Khan is the "front-runner" to face 'Pacman'.

Pacquiao's coach Freddie Roach is also endorsing a contest between the Filipino and his former stable mate Khan.

"Me, I like that match... I like how Khan is fighting, I like how his chin is holding up," Hall of Fame Trainer Roach has said in an interview with thesweetscience.com.

A Dubai boxing promoter has been in talks with Bob Arum of Top Rank to get Pacquiao fight in Dubai and was in Las Vegas when Khan outclassed Alexander.

'Prince' Amir Shafypour, Promoter and Managing Director at Golden Cage Promotions and Events, has been on the line with Pacquiao's manager Freddie Roach to make this a reality.

"We are confident of hosting a fight featuring Pacquiao with or without Mayweather," Prince Amir told Emirates 24|7.

Pacquiao vs Khan in Dubai perfectly fits the bill since it would be followed by large community of Filipino and British expatriates in the Middle East.

Earlier stories links

 

Manny Pacquiao vs Amir Khan fight in Dubai or Abu Dhabi 'Plan B' option for Filipino boxing legend

 

 

Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao not favourite to beat Floyd Mayweather

 


Pacquiao to fight in Dubai 'with or without' Mayweather