Boxing Legend Wants Manny Pacquiao to Fight Him Instead of Floyd Mayweather

Amir Khan, the British former professional boxer who was once a unified world junior welterweight champion and won an Olympic silver medal, called out Pacquiao for one last shot at redemption.

In a social media post on X, Khan tagged Pacquiao directly and said, “I’m up for one final dance, but only with you as my partner. You’re still talking rematch with Floyd? Let’s make our fight that never happened. This is the only one that gets me out of retirement— it’s what the fans always wanted.”

This public call-out seems to be Khan's strategic move to insert himself into the conversation and call Pacquiao’s attention away from his high-profile negotiation with Mayweather, offering “Pacman” an alternative marquee opponent.

Khan's Dream Fight

The history between the two Hall-of-Famers adds significant context to this call-out.

Throughout his career, Khan had persistently chased mega-fights with both Pacquiao and Mayweather, but a deal could never be finalized. He retired in 2022, never having secured those lucrative bouts.

Khan and Pacquiao also happen to be former gym mates. That has not stopped Pacquiao in the past, however, as he was able to fight his fellow stablemate, Miguel Cotto, back in their heydays. 

In an interview back in August with Toby Morgan from SecondsOut, Khan admitted, "100% I’d take that fight. We are both probably past our best. There’s always been talk about it. That would motivate me to get back in the ring again.”

Fan Reactions

For fans, a fight with Pacquiao could be a classic “what if" scenario from the sport's past, a contest that never materialized during their simultaneous peaks.

Unfortunately for Khan, fans have responded to his post on X with remarks that mirror criticism of the initial Mayweather rematch rumors:

“Please see a list of people below that want to see this fight…List ends…”

“This fight should’ve happened in both your primes. Not now.”

“Ah, stop will ya.”

“Not 'let's go,’ Amir, but LET IT GO. You had a good career, but it's over, lad.”

“Nah, man, stop begging for a paycheck.”

“Ain't you banned for a failed drugs test?”

“Always backed you, but you let us all down against Brook. About 15 years too late, this.”

Even though Khan is eager to fight Pacquiao, it seems that even his fans are not willing to see him come out of retirement to fight in a bout way past both fighters’ primes.

Pacquiao's Options

With multiple options now publicly on the table, the decision still rests with Manny Pacquiao and his team. 

The ongoing negotiations with Mayweather will prove to be a significant barrier for Khan, as Pacquiao admitted in a press conference that the rematch is his number one option. Pacquiao also revealed that he is in negotiations for a fight with former world champion Vasyl Lomachenko, though that is planned as an exhibition match. 

The key difference is that the potential bout with Mayweather is being negotiated as "a real fight," according to Pacquiao, which would carry far greater significance for the sport and its legacy, and also mark the professional return of a currently-retired Mayweather. 

Khan’s sudden entry adds another variable, presenting Pacquiao with a choice between the historic, lucrative Mayweather rematch and nostalgic rivalry with Khan. No official announcements have been made just yet, and fans will have to wait to see which path Pacquiao will choose.