Amir Khan Taunts 'Scared' Floyd Mayweather, Challenges Manny Pacquiao

Amir Khan believes Floyd Mayweather Jr. is scared to fight him, saying the unbeaten boxer "clearly wants to avoid the guys that could give him problems" in the ring. Instead, Khan is now focusing on a potential showdown with Manny Pacquiao.

After months of trying to coax Mayweather into a bout, Khan recently gave the American five days to make a decision, as reported by Martin Domin of the Daily Mail. This deadline has passed as momentum builds toward a likely Mayweather-Pacquiao contest, a fight which has been in the making for years.

Indeed, Pacquiao recently confirmed that there will be an announcement about a possible Mayweather bout "before the end of the month," per the Manila Standard (h/t Gareth A Davies of The Telegraph).

More recently, per Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports, Pacquiao revealed: "I heard there's an understanding already. We're just waiting for the signed contract from them." 

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

Pretty Boy's lack of response to Khan all but guarantees the Brit needs to find an alternative opponent.

Despite many believing the closeness of Khan and Pacquaio would make a fight difficult—the pair used to train together under Freddie Roach—Khan is ready to make this alternative contest happen, as reported by Andrew Binner of Sport360 (h/t Yahoo News):

"

Boxing is business and this would be a big fight. I like Freddie and I like Manny but it would be a huge fight that could possibly happen in Dubai. We need to have a big fight in the UAE and this could be it.

I don’t know why Floyd won’t fight me. Is he running scared? It can’t be that he won’t take enough money because look what we would bring to the table.

"

Khan suggests "the whole of Asia and the huge UK boxing market" would make a fight with Mayweather extremely profitable.

Money is set to be defined by his nickname, however, as he looks toward facing Pacquiao in an event worth $300 million at Las Vegas' MGM Grand, per Domin. Khan is unlikely to draw this figure despite dismantling Devon Alexander during his last showing.

"There are no more excuses and I don't even see his fight with Pacquiao happening as Floyd clearly wants to avoid the guys that could give him problems," said Khan, per Binner.

Bleacher Report recently considered the prospect of Mayweather and Pacquiao facing each other:

David Mayo of MLive.com also weighed in on the possibility and even mentioned Khan as an alternative opponent for Mayweather:

It is thought Al Haymon—advisor to Mayweather and, more recently, Khan—could be key in organising a future clash between the pair who are under his tutelage.

Khan taking on Pacquiao would be a dangerous and strategic move by the Bolton-born brawler, though, as defeat would likely drop him down the pecking order to receive a shot against Mayweather's flawless run. With that said, Floyd is more inclined to fight the winner if this encounter ever goes ahead. 

There's no doubt Khan will continue to question Mayweather's willingness to fight. Khan likes to play on the assumption that his speed would pose a thorough examination of Mayweather's quality and game-plan, particularly after his dissection of Alexander.

The best pound-for-pound fighter in the world doesn't get to this level without beating all types of opponents, so it's fair to suggest Khan's speed may fail to hide his glass jaw against the best. Mayweather can be accused of not wanting to face Pacquaio at his most powerful prime, however, so this is something Khan will inevitably hold onto until the pair meet or the Michigan-born star retires.

Khan needs to score a massive win during his next battle to up his profitability in the U.S. market. Either Mayweather or Pacquiao would guarantee a large crowd and could propel the 28-year-old to new heights, or indeed, end his hopes of beating the sport's icons.