In yet another bold remark before finally hanging his gloves, British boxing star Amir Khan is calling for Filipino ring legend Manny Pacquiao for one last shot at the eight-division champion. Regarding Pacquiao's last fight, Khan said that Keith Thurman was slow and claims that he is more capable of dealing with Pacquiao, should he get his chance.
In a recent interview following his victory against Australian Billy Dib in a bout held in Saudi Arabia, Khan claimed that the fight between him and Pacquiao is already in the books and will take place on November 8. However, Fred Sternberg, Pacquiao's spokesperson, refuted Khan's claim and told BBC Sport that the Filipino ring icon had not signed any contract, at least that he is aware of.
When asked about his claim, Khan told the Daily Star, "I was just told what to say in the press conference by my advisors. I think it was all very badly handled. I just think the only way a fight like that will happen is if me and Pacquiao sit together and talk."
Khan won the WBC international welterweight title following a fourth-round stoppage of Dib.
Khan added that he has been contemplating about retiring for close to a year now. He said that he was surprised that he had lasted 37 fights, adding that he had put serious thoughts about hanging his gloves when he had 30 fights under his belt.
With his recent win against Thurman, Pacquiao has cemented his place in boxing history as the oldest welterweight champion. This record alone simply puts the 40-year-old future hall of famer into the target of some boxers hungry for glory. Khan believes that he will be a tougher competition than Thurman.
Khan admitted that he is already in the final chapter of his career and that one of his main goals before retiring is to go into the ring with the legend that is Pacquiao. He said that he had done well for himself both financially and in the sports. Nevertheless, he is still adamant into taking a shot at the Filipino legend.
For Khan, his family and his health are of utmost importance. He said, "Everything you do is for your family. I want to be in one piece for when I'm spending time with them."
Regarding whether the Khan vs. Pacquiao bout will go through, no one can tell. Despite Khan's insistence, Pacquiao's camp has kept quiet over the issue.
