Thursday 23 April 2015 11:21, UK
Amir Khan is hoping to fight Manny Pacquiao in Abu Dhabi later this year, whether he beats Floyd Mayweather or not next month.
Khan has turned his attention to a clash with the Filipino great after becoming frustrated in his efforts for a Vegas fight with Mayweather, a meeting he has been hankering for over the last two years.
According to the Daily Mail, Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum has proposals for a bout against Khan, which could take place in the United Arab Emirates in November or December this year.
The Bolton welterweight takes on Chris Algieri in Brooklyn on May 29 and, providing he comes through that fight, his next outing could be against a man he once enjoyed sparring with.
Khan said: "I want this fight. I would love to box Manny. We’ve been looking at an event in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is only a short drive away. It’s a dream of mine to fight in that part of the world."
One possible stumbling block could be the potential for a Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch, but 'PacMan' would prefer a later date for his second fight of the year and Mayweather's six-fight Showtime deal expires in Spetember.
Khan prefers to fight later in the year as well, with any September outings ruled out because his strict observance of Ramadan would end in a rushed preparation.
'Assault'
He suspects Pacquiao will be beaten in Las Vegas on May 2, a fight he will watch from ringside, and defeat would make a 2015 meeting between the two more likely.
"I actually think that once Mayweather gets through Manny’s assault in the first few rounds it will become an easy win for him," Khan said.
"Manny has speed and power but Floyd has the defensive skill to avoid him and the brain and accuracy to keep picking him off as he comes in.
"The longer it goes the harder it will get for Manny and if he is to win he will have to keep up the pace through every minute of every round.
"I’ll just watch it with a professional eye. And there is a chance that if Floyd’s legs really are slowing down that Manny will catch up with him - and he can punch.
"I’ve wasted the best part of a couple of years waiting for Floyd because I would love to be the man who beat the man considered the best pound-for-pound in the world. Now I have to make the most of every day because soon it may be too late.
"Floyd and Manny are getting closer to retirement and if I don’t fight one of them soon it may never happen."
Book Mayweather v Pacquiao, Sky Sports Box Office, May 2, via your phone or online now. If you want to record the event, book via your Sky remote from April 25. skysports.com/maypac
