Amir Khan motivated to fight, still wants to face Pacquiao

FILE – Amir Khan looks on against Terence Crawford before their WBO welterweight title fight at Madison Square Garden on April 20, 2019 in New York City. Al Bello/Getty Images/AFP

MANILA, Philippines—Amir Khan isn’t giving up on Manny Pacquiao just yet.

The British boxer remains determined to set up a fight against the WBA World welterweight champion despite their long-entwined history.

“I want to fight against Manny Pacquiao, he’s the champion,” said Khan in an interview with beIN SPORTS’ Allo beIN h/t BoxingScene.com. “I want to reach the level that I can fight against anyone without fearing anything.”

“Why not Qatar host the event, as it’s already prepared for the 2022 World Cup? I love Qatar and I loved my last stay there.”

“I like to box, I’d love to continue boxing.”

Khan was Pacquiao’s sparring partner for several years in the early 2010s. Pacquiao went 10-3 in his World title fights including controversial losses to Timothy Bradley and Jeff Horn while Khan has racked up a humble 4-4.

The Filipino icon also held three World titles from 2010 to 2019—the WBO and WBA World welterweight straps and the WBC super welterweight championship—while Khan hasn’t held a top belt since losing the WBA and IBF super lightweight crowns to Lamont Peterson in 2011.

Khan’s last World title fight was a sixth round technical knockout loss to Terence Crawford.

But this hasn’t dampened Khan’s desires of fighting Pacquiao, floating the idea back in 2019 but contracts have yet to be signed or even printed.

“Am I going to fight again? I don’t know. I’m in two minds. Should I fight? Financially, I’ve done very well for myself,” said Khan. “Do I need to do one more fight which could ruin my whole legacy? I don’t know the answer.”

“I’m up against myself. I’m debating with myself should I carry on or call it a day?”