Khan on possible bout vs Pacquiao: ‘Sometimes friends fight’

MANILA, Philippines – British boxer Amir Khan isn’t ruling out the possibility of fighting Manny Pacquiao in the future.

It can be recalled that Khan used to be Pacquiao’s sparring partner, even travelling to the Philippines in 2011 to help the Filipino prepare for his fight against Shane Mosley.

Khan, who also briefly trained under Freddie Roach, considers Pacquiao as a friend. But he said friendship shouldn’t be a hindrance in doing business in the ring.

ALSO READ: Mayweather unimpressed with Pacquiao win

"We are friends [me and Pacquiao] but sometimes friends fight each other," Khan, a former lightweight and light welterweight titleholder, told UK boxing scribe Gareth Davis of The Telegraph.

Khan thus joins the list of boxers who have lined up hoping for a crack at Pacquiao, who is coming off a vindicating win over Timothy Bradley last April 13 to regain the WBO welterweight title. Pacquiao has indicated his desire to fight again later this year against anyone.

It could be against Juan Manuel Marquez again, if he gets past Mike Alvarado next month. Ruslan Provodnikov, a Russian slugger, is also a possibility.

Adrien Broner, a former three-division champion, has also indicated his desire to face Pacquiao. Even Saul Alvarez was brought up as a possible Pacquiao foe by promoter Oscar De La Hoya, who on Tuesday revealed he has talked to Bob Arum about pitting the two fighters.

RELATED: De La Hoya wants Pacquiao-Canelo

Add Khan to the mix.

"It can happen (Pacquiao fight), definitely it can happen. I mean, in this boxing world we are friends. But like I said sometimes friends have to fight each other. I mean, Manny’s a great fighter, but yes, I think if it makes sense taking that fight, then why not?," said Khan, who was supposed to fight Floyd Mayweather in May, but the latter opted to face Marcos Maidana.

Instead, Khan (28-3, with 19 knockouts) will take on Luis Collazo on the undercard of Mayweather-Maidana, and if he’s successful, a showdown with Pacquiao could be next.

"Look, we are the best fighters out there, and in my career I’ve always said I will fight the best people. So, if that means Manny’s one of them and it happens, then why not? I think it can definitely happen," he explained.