Pacquiao opens talks with Khan

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao yesterday confirmed reports of talks that negotiations are on regarding a fight between him and British pride Amir Khan.

A Pacquiao fight against Khan had been talked about and considered the past couple of years.

“My team and I are in negotiations with Amir Khan for our next fight,” said Pacquiao in his Facebook account followed by over 11 million people worldwide.

“Further announcement coming soon,” Pacquiao added.

The fight may take place in the United Arab Emirates in April or May or June, depending on how long is needed for both camps to strike a deal.

The STAR reported over the weekend that Pacquiao is being guaranteed $38 million to bring his act to either Dubai or Abu Dhabi against an opponent of his choice.

If true, the $38 million will be Pacquiao’s second-biggest purse after his reported $120 million take for fighting Floyd Mayweather in 2015.

For the Vargas fight, Pacquiao as the challenger earned no more than $5 million.

Promoter Bob Arum said that Pacquiao is indeed being offered “an insane amount of money” by the UAE group but said he wouldn’t be surprised if it doesn’t happen.

Just a few weeks ago, the stars were pointing to Brisbane for a Pacquiao fight versus Jeff Horn, a former schoolteacher from Down Under.

“The Australian deal is not going to happen now, because Manny is trying to get a fight done in the United Arab Emirates, and the people there favor him fighting Amir Khan,” Arum told ESPN.com.

The STAR asked Michael Koncz to comment on web reports that circulated the other day saying Khan has landed the fight with the Filipino senator.

“No comment at the time regarding Manny’s next fight,” said Koncz.

“We will make the announcement once we conclude the opponent and the venue,” added Koncz.