Former boxing champion challenges Manny Pacquiao after watching Mike Tyson return

Amir Khan has announced his willingness to fight Manny Pacquiao, a boxer who has won titles in eight different weight classes, in an exhibition match.

At 37, Khan expressed regret that his previous plan to fight Pacquiao did not come true. “ The decision is up to Pacquiao. I know he is busy with his political career, so now it is just a matter of waiting ,” Khan shared, while challenging Pacquiao.

“I am still motivated. We are friends, we have trained together and fought each other. But at the end of the day, we are still fighters who make money from fighting. A big fight like that, you can't say no,” Amir Khan said.

Khan, a gold medalist at the 2003 Juinor Olympic Games and former WBA welterweight champion, has become increasingly interested in exhibition fights, especially after witnessing the successful fight between YouTuber Jake Paul and the legendary Mike Tyson on November 15 in Arlington, Texas. That eight-round bout ended in a victory for Jake Paul.

“ This happens quite often in boxing: two parties negotiate and then get frustrated. But when you see the financial backing from the places that want to host the fight, you know it’s real. They’re not kidding, ” Khan stressed.

Khan believes the Pacquiao fight will still be explosive: “It might be a little late, but we will still fight hard. It will be a great fight to watch, but it depends on many factors.”

Before retiring, Khan always dreamed of fighting Pacquiao, his idol. However, this dream never came true. Amir Khan won 34 of his 40 fights, including 21 knockouts. The British boxer of Pakistani origin announced his retirement in 2022, but the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight inspired Amir Khan to return to the ring.

Previously, plans for Pacquiao to face WBC champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios fell through when Barrios agreed to fight boxer Abel Ramos in the co-main event of the Paul-Tyson event, which ended in a draw.

The last time Pacquiao fought was a 3-round, 3-minute exhibition match with former K-1 champion Rukiya Anpo in July this year at RIZIN 3 at Saitama Super Arena, Japan.

Pacquiao also had a boxing match with Muay Thai legend Buakaw Banchamek scheduled for this year, but the fight was later postponed. The organizers are still looking for a suitable time for the two famous boxers to compete.

Son Tung

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/cuu-vo-dich-quyen-anh-thach-dau-manny-pacquiao-sau-khi-xem-mike-tyson-tai-xuat-ar910529.html