Amir Khan is concentrating on a return to the boxing ring and has set his sights on Manny Pacquiao. The 37-year-old ended his iconic profession following a troublesome loss to arch-rival Kell Brook in 2022, however he has beforehand flirted with the thought of constructing a comeback.

Khan didn't compete for 3 years after beating Billy Dib in 2019. Then, he misplaced to Brook in 2022 earlier than hanging up his gloves. However, 2024 often is the 12 months followers see the previous unified light-welterweight world champion put his gloves again on as he has been working exhausting within the fitness center to get in tip-top form.

Back in 2023, rumors round Khan squaring off towards Pacquiao surfaced however they didn't come to fruition. During an interview with SunSport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Bolton native admitted that is a combat that might persuade him to come back out of retirement. "I mean I am training a little bit here and there but the thing is the only man that can make that fight happen is Turki Alalshikh," he added.

"I think Turki Alalshikh can make that fight happen between me and Manny Pacquiao. Yeah, that's a fight that would definitely lift me up, for sure." Pacquiao, now 45, ended his illustrious skilled boxing profession in 2021 following a defeat to Yordenis Ugas. But after a failed presidential election marketing campaign, the Filipino said he was out of retirement in February, and he desires a giant identify to compete towards.

Sean Gibbons, who runs Pacquiao's promotional firm, told Boxing Scene how for much longer the veteran has left within the ring and in addition talked about another fighters he wish to face. “Technically he's out of retirement,” Gibbons mentioned. “He's received a couple of 12 months left. He simply desires to combat. Manny feels that he is in great form.

“He's coaching for this exhibition however hopefully that may result in one thing greater and higher. I do [see a pro return for Pacquiao]. One of the fights that folks talked about for a very long time was Manny Pacquiao versus Conor McGregor. That's one thing that can be sensational in Saudi Arabia, let's go.

"It will be a good place to do it. It's really simple. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, [the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority of Saudi Arabia], loves big events, and he's putting on the best events.  It's a very intriguing and fun fight bringing two of the biggest names together in combat sports.”

While Khan has his sights set on Pacquiao, he also took some time to mention Jake Paul, who has made waves in the boxing world in recent years. The American has won eight of his nine matches so far, with the one defeat coming against Tommy Fury.

The 27-year-old has shown his credentials in the boxing ring and is raising the profile of the sport outside of it, but Khan says he has no interest in competing against the YouTuber. "Jake Paul, I do not suppose I can elevate myself up for that combat," Khan said. "But, like a Manny Pacquiao combat you must be in your A-game."