Former World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF), and World Boxing Championship (WBC) light-welterweight and welterweight champion, Amir Khan has recently confirmed his eagerness to make a comeback after retiring from the sport in 2022.
The British boxing star retired after a loss to his long-term rival, Kell Brook, in a highly publicized fight at Manchester’s AO Arena. However, his retirement was soon followed by reports of a failed drug test, which led to a two-year suspension from the sport. This test revealed the presence of ostarine, a substance that mimics the muscle-building effects of testosterone.
Despite these setbacks, Khan has expressed interest in returning to the ring. He has particularly set his sights on a potential bout with Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. Khan has openly stated that a match against Pacquiao would not only mark a significant moment in his career but also elevate his spirits as he prepares to make a return to professional boxing.
However, the back-and-forth exchanges between Khan and Pacquiao’s camp have caused speculation, with Khan recently accusing Pacquiao of not being serious about organizing the fight.
In a recent interview, Amir Khan expressed his frustrations, accusing Pacquiao of wasting time and not taking the fight seriously. Khan’s disappointment stems from years of discussions about a possible fight that have yet to materialize. He voiced his concerns directly, stating:
“With Manny, you never know if one day he is serious because we have been talking about this for such a long time. Look, if he wants it, it can be in London, it can be in Manchester. Wherever it is, it could be anywhere in the world, really, because both of us fighters are big names. We could do a fight, but I just feel that Manny is wasting everyone’s time. I just think he is full of it, really. I just don’t believe it anymore,” Khan said.
The British fighter’s exasperation was clear, as he went on to criticize Pacquiao for seemingly dragging out negotiations. Khan feels that despite the global appeal and commercial potential of the fight, it has been stalled by Pacquiao’s lack of genuine interest.
While these statements have sparked media attention, Pacquiao’s camp has been quick to respond.
Manny Pacquiao’s manager, Sean Gibbons, who serves as the president of MP Manny Pacquiao Promotions, responded to Amir Khan’s claims, dismissing the notion that Pacquiao was avoiding the fight. According to Gibbons, Pacquiao is indeed serious about facing Khan in the ring, but the primary obstacle to making the fight happen is not Pacquiao’s reluctance—it’s a lack of funding.
Gibbons clarified the situation, emphasizing that the fight’s delay has little to do with Pacquiao’s intentions and more to do with securing financial backing to make the fight a reality. Gibbons stated:
“But the problem has always been the funding. It hasn’t been the fighters. So I don’t know if the funds are there or if anybody is interested or cares to do this in December in the UK, but the fighters, I think, would be ready.”
Team Manny Pacquiao reassures Amir Khan on December fight https://t.co/joGCduOagV #PacquiaoKhan pic.twitter.com/e8nAGW8IT7
— World Boxing News (@WorldBoxingNews) September 23, 2024
In his remarks, Gibbons underscored that both fighters are more than willing to enter the ring. However, without the necessary financial support from promoters or sponsors, the fight remains in limbo. According to Gibbons, if the funds are secured, there’s no reason why the fight couldn’t happen in the near future, perhaps as early as December, with the UK being a potential venue.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, Amir Khan has made it clear that he is not interested in fighting anyone other than Pacquiao or another legendary figure in boxing: Floyd Mayweather. Khan’s desire to face only top-tier opponents is a testament to his ambition, even as he approaches the twilight of his career.
Khan has expressed admiration for Mayweather’s post-retirement activity in the ring, particularly his involvement in exhibition fights. Mayweather, who retired with an undefeated record, has since participated in a series of high-profile exhibition matches. He recently fought John Gotti III in a much-publicized rematch and revealed that he has a three-fight exhibition deal in the works. Under this deal, a potential fight with Khan could be arranged.
Khan’s willingness to face Mayweather adds another layer of intrigue to his comeback plans. While his preference remains a showdown with Pacquiao, Khan hasn’t ruled out the possibility of going toe-to-toe with Mayweather in an exhibition bout.
While Amir Khan’s focus remains on Pacquiao and Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao has his eyes set on other opponents for a possible professional comeback. The Filipino legend has made it clear that he is not just looking for any fight—he wants to challenge world champions.
Pacquiao has been linked with a potential fight against Mario Barrios, the reigning WBC welterweight champion. This fight, if it comes to fruition, would mark Pacquiao’s return to the ring in a professional capacity. At 45 years old, Pacquiao continues to defy expectations, remaining active in the boxing world through exhibition fights.
Most recently, Pacquiao fought Japanese kickboxer Rukiya Anpo in an exhibition match at the Super Rizin 3 event in Tokyo, Japan, on July 28. This exhibition bout is the latest in a series of matches that Pacquiao has taken part in since stepping away from professional boxing. These exhibition matches have allowed Pacquiao to stay sharp and maintain his status as one of the sport’s biggest global icons.
However, Pacquiao’s ultimate goal is clear: he wants to fight world champions and continue adding to his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
For boxing fans, the ongoing drama between Amir Khan and Manny Pacquiao is just one of many stories that keeps the sport as thrilling as ever. Whether it’s speculating on potential matchups or watching these legends step into the ring, there’s no shortage of excitement.
For those looking to take their passion for boxing to the next level, betting on these fights can add a whole new dimension to the experience. OKBet, Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports betting platform, offers a wide range of betting options for boxing fans.
Whether you're interested in placing bets on exhibition matches, comeback fights, or major title bouts, sign up today to get 100 sign up bonus in sports betting.
