Khan not closing doors on Pacquiao duel

MANILA, Philippines – Despite reportedly pulling out of talks to fight Manny Pacquiao, Amir Khan isn’t completely closing the doors on the chance to face the Filipino icon.

Speaking recently to John Dennen of Boxing News, the British star said he’s tired of waiting around the way he previously did in trying and repeatedly failing to secure a date with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Mayweather has retired, leaving Khan with no other choice but to gun for the second biggest name in boxing – the ever busy Pacquiao.

“It’s a good fight for me and I know it’s a big fight. Fight fans want the fight. But it seems to me that [I’m] waiting around and I don’t want to be in the same position as I was against Floyd Mayweather,” Khan told Dennen.

It was reported last week that Khan, a former lightweight and junior welterweight champion, has withdrawn from negotiations with Pacquiao’s camp, claiming the Filipino boxer hasn’t signed the contract.

“I’d been promised the fight, then it didn’t happen. To be honest with you I’ve just left it with my team, I am looking at other opponents at the same time. If it doesn’t happen I’ve got plan B,” he continued

“There’s contracts there. But I just want to make sure I’ve got plan B because it seems to me that Manny’s team don’t really want it but I don’t know, I might be wrong,” Khan added.

Pacquiao vowed to return next year and fight before the May elections, wherein he is eyeing a Senate post. Apart from Khan, the fighting congressman reportedly has Kell Brook, Timothy Bradley, Terrence Crawford and Juan Manuel Marquez in his radar.

Khan, for his part, also has his options other than Pacquiao, including former tormentors Danny Garcia and Lamont Peterson.

But fights against those two names pale largely in comparison to a megabuck duel with Pacquiao.

“He [Pacquiao]’s the biggest name in boxing at the moment,” Khan said. – Dino Maragay