Amir Khan To Spar With Manny Pacquiao: "Margarito To Fall In Eighth Or Ninth"

British boxing icon Amir Khan says he will spar with Manny Pacquiao during his short stay in the Philippines to jump start his training for his showdown with Marcos Maidana on December 11.

Khan arrived early morning Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on his way to the mountain city of Baguio in northern Philippines to join Manny Pacquiao, Freddie Roach, and the rest of Pacquiao's sparring mates.

Despite the early morning arrival of the youthful British boxing champion, he was mobbed by media people who were at the NAIA for his arrival statement.

"Manny’s always inviting me to the Philippines and it’s nice for me to come here to meet Manny, meet his people, and meet the Filipinos as well,” he said.

“I spoke to Freddie Roach and he did say me and Manny will be doing a little bit of sparring. We fight similar times. I fight four weeks after Manny. But it’s good to be here you know, just to share the ring with Manny Pacquiao and be working with Freddie Roach and Alex Ariza,” added Khan.

Khan said he is slowly building up his conditioning in the camp in time for his December 11 fight with Marcos Maidana.

The WBA light welterweight champion is training under Freddie Roach with Alex Ariza as his strength and conditioning coach.

Asked by media about his thoughts on the upcoming Pacquiao-Margarito fight, Khan predicts Margarito will fall in eighth or ninth round.

Reminded by sportswriter Ronnie Nathanieltz about Margarito's physical superiority over Pacquiao, particularly in terms of height and reach, Khan said, “Manny is tougher. Manny is big and strong as well,” he insisted. “It’s like Manny is a nice guy outside the ring but when he gets in the ring, he’s an animal.”

Amir Khan was born in Bolton, England. His grandparents were originally from Pakistan but emmigrated to Britain in the 50's.

Khan, who was born on December 8, 1986, is the current WBA light welterweight champion. He will defend his title against Marcos Maidana on December 11 in Las Vegas, Nevada.