Khan high on Manny bout in Dubai

MANILA, Philippines - British boxer Amir Khan is welcoming a fight with Manny Pacquiao in Dubai next year.

“A fight with Manny Pacquiao in Dubai could be massive. I’d love to take that fight,” Khan recently told Alex Rea of Sport 360. 

Although Khan says a showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. is his priority, he is keen on slugging it outt with the Filipino icon.

Pacquiao is recovering from a shoulder injury he sustained while training to fight Mayweather, who defeated him in boxing’s richest bout ever. He is expected to return to the ring in 2016.

Pacquiao and Khan have been sparring partners before. The latter even trained with Freddie Roach.

“We’re friends but sometimes you’ve got to put friendship on one side. That fight would be amazing,” said Khan.

Meanwhile, Filipino boxer “Prince” Albert Pagara is stepping up his buildup for his  forthcoming IBF Intercontinental junior featherweight title defense against Mexico’s Jesus Rios highlighting the Pinoy Pride 32 Duel in Dubai 2 card at Dubai World Trade Centre on Aug. 7.

Pagara’s older brother, WBO International super-lightweight Jason “El Niño” Pagara, will face Mexico’s Ramiro Alcaraz, and fellow Filipino Jimrez “Executioner” Jaca will take on Mexico’s Pablo Lugo Montiel in the undercard.

The ALA Promotions-organized event is held following last September’s successful inaugural edition, which saw Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista beat Mexico’s Juan Jose Martinez via technical decision.

For tickets, visit www.tickets.virginmegastore.me and www.ticketmaster.ae or call 055 602 5509 or 04 390 2180. The fights will also be screened live via TFC pay-per-view. For updates visit www.facebook.com/TFCMiddleEast. – With reports from Dino Maragay/Contributor