Khan confirms talks with Pacquiao for 2016 showdown

MANILA, Philippines – British star Amir Khan has confirmed there are ongoing negotiations between his camp and Top Rank chief Bob Arum for a fight with Manny Pacquiao.

In a report by The National, Khan said they are looking at staging the bout in February or April next year.

“I can confirm that my team has been negotiating with Bob Arum; so far everything is going smooth,” the former lightweight and super lightweight champion said.

“The contracts are being negotiated and, if everything is agreed, Manny Pacquiao will be my next opponent,” Khan added.

Originally gunning for a megabuck showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr., Khan has set his sights on Pacquiao after the undefeated American once again ignored him in favor of Andre Berto, whom Mayweather recently outpointed.

Mayweather has then announced his retirement, leaving Khan with no other option but to go for Pacquiao, interestingly a close friend of his.

“I have been told that Manny ... has been given the ‘all clear’ to start training again by his doctor, which is great news,” Khan said. “Depending on when he and his team feels he could be ready, the fight could be in February or April 2016.”

Pacquiao and Khan used to spar together and share the same trainer in Freddie Roach.

Khan said he respects Pacquiao, who is known to not back down from any challenge.

“I know Manny. He is my friend. We’ve trained and sparred together. He has never ducked or dodged any fighter and I am sure he won’t get scared like Floyd Mayweather and back out,” he continued.

Pacquiao, for his part, is almost fully recovered from a shoulder injury he sustained while training for Mayweather a few months ago. Aside from Khan, his camp is reportedly looking at Terence Crawford, Kell Brook, Lucas Mattysse, Danny Garcia and Juan Manuel Marquez as his comeback opponents.

But Khan is confident of securing a duel with Pacquiao.

“This is the biggest fight out there for me and I will be ready.” – Dino Maragay