Amir Khan Ends Manny Pacquiao Fight Talks, Eyes Danny Garcia or Timothy Bradley
British fighter Amir Khan has claimed Manny Pacquiao is avoiding signing a deal to fight him, forcing the collapse of talks between the two boxers' camps.
The former Wild Card Boxing sparring partners have been in negotiations to arrange a bout, but Pac-Man has stalled in completing contractual arrangements, forcing Khan to pull out.
Khan explained the situation to Abu Dhabi newspaper the National (h/t Sky Sports) and said he is now looking for a rematch with Danny Garcia or a fight against Timothy Bradley:
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"I'm really disappointed in Manny and his team. They aren't playing ball. All that was left to do is to sign the contract. But they are stalling.
I have pulled out of the negotiations. I am no longer fighting Manny Pacquiao.
They know I am a tricky fight for him and they know I will beat him. Or else, why pull out of a fight when there is a lot of money on the table?
"
Khan also addressed the potential of Pacquiao fighting Floyd Mayweather Jr. once more but added he will not wait for the legendary Filipino to arrange his business, per the National: "I don't really know if Mayweather is fighting Pacquiao again. It is a possible reason for him to stall on signing the contract, but I don't really know. I am not going to wait around for Manny like I did for Mayweather. I need to fight and if they don't want to fight then that's fine, I have other targets."
The 28-year-old named the four men he is looking at for his 35th professional fight, as he attempts to reposition himself at the very top of the boxing tree, per the National: "I already had a back-up plan drawn up in case the Pacquiao fight didn't go to plan. We are looking at a Danny Garcia rematch. I also would like to fight Tim Bradley; that's another interesting fight. A rematch with Lamont Peterson and, of course, Kell Brook is also another option."
The possibility of challenging IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook, in what would be a huge fight for British boxing, would sell out one of the country's top stadiums. Lamont Peterson would also be a strong challenger, as the former two-time world champion looks for a credible opponent.
However, the Brit contradicted claims on Tuesday, taking to social media to once again fan the rumours he could battle Pac-Man:
Khan vs. Pacquiao would be one of the most eagerly anticipated fights of a generation, and the bragging rights would be huge for the victor.
Khan needs to face a genuine name in the sport, but the prospect of taking on Brook for a world title must carry significant weight in his mind.
British boxing has put on a handful of top bouts over the past years, and Brook putting his title on the line against the former Olympic silver medalist would be pure box office for fight fans.
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