ISLAMABAD (APP) – British boxer of Pakistan-origin Amir Khan believes he is the favourite to face Manny Pacquiao before the Filipino retires.
Pacquiao, 36, is understood to want one more bout before hanging up his gloves to focus on a career in public office.
Khan was snubbed by Floyd Mayweather, who chose Andre Berto as his final opponent in September.
Now the former world champion is targeting Pacman, who lost to Mayweather in May, for a possible fight in early 2016. Terence Crawford and Tim Bradley are also believed to be in the mix.
“It would be Manny Pacquiao’s last fight and end his career in a big way, not like Floyd Mayweather where, no disrespect to Berto, but I think Floyd finished his career on a low note,” Khan, was quoted as saying by BBC.
“I am the front-runner. Manny Pacquiao makes a good story because we’ve been training partners and I’ve been with his coach Freddie Roach.
“There’s a big chance of the fight happening, it’s all about making sure my team is on point with the deal and they need to make sure they get the fight that I want.”
Khan is currently training in Doha, the site of the 2015 World Amateur Boxing Championships, and says the Middle East could soon host a headline professional bout. “The Middle East has never had a big, big fight,” he said.
“They’ve had a few decent names but no one in their prime, putting on a world title fight, so I think it’s going to happen soon.”
