Pacquiao plans to fight Amir Khan if Mayweather says no—report

Manny Pacquiao and Bob Arum. File Photo

LAS VEGAS, United States – Filipino boxing star Manny Pacquiao has a plan in place if yet another bid to fight Floyd Mayweather fails — a May 30 bout, possibly against England’s Amir Khan.

Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum told ESPN that a backup plan if a hoped-for May 2 blockbuster against unbeaten US star Mayweather falls through is a fight four weeks later in Las Vegas, New York, London or Abu Dhabi.

“A lot of places around the world want to host a Manny Pacquiao fight,” Arum said. “He’s an international icon, and I have been approached by a number of people looking to host a Manny Pacquiao fight.”

Arum also told ESPN that Khan, a former welterweight champion, is the leading candidate, although Khan would also be a top contender to fight Mayweather if Pacquiao is not his choice.

Khan and Pacquiao have also been sparring partners before in training camps run by trainer Freddie Roach while working with both fighters.

Arum also mentioned Russian former junior welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov and Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse as possible Pacquiao foes.

But Arum says all terms outlined in talks with Mayweather’s camp have been covered and that fight would be his first choice.

Arum has called Mayweather a “chicken” for making negotiations for the mega fight difficult.

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