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