Amir Khan was British boxing’s youngest ever Olympic Medalist and then one of the country’s youngest world champions.
The Bolton man had a thrilling campaign in the pro ranks with both huge wins and shock losses, beating the likes of Marcos Maidana, Marco Antonio Barrera and Zab Judah.
Khan retired in 2022 after a long-awaited and over-marinated grudge match against Kell Brook, which he lose by stoppage after showing he was not the fighter he used to be. Since then, however, he has teased a return on numerous occasions and has been linked with YouTube stars Jake Paul and KSI.
Speaking to TalkSPORT, Khan said that any talk of him joining the crossover scene was untrue but that he would return to the ring for a proper fight against boxing great Manny Pacquiao.
“You know the only person I would come back for on a serious note would be Manny Pacquiao. I’ve been asked by YouTubers, KSI, Logan Paul, Jake Paul, but what motivates me is fighting a proper fighter like Manny Pacquiao.
“A Manny Pacquiao fight would make me train even harder than a Kell Brook fight, because I know how hard I would have to train, he’s an animal you need that push.”
Pacquiao is boxing’s only eight-division world champion and regarded by many as one of the best fighters to ever lace up the gloves, undoubtedly of his own generation.
Khan was close to landing the fight in 2017, though the Filipino sensation ultimately ended up fighting and losing to Jeff Horn. Two years later, Pacquiao would break the record of the oldest welterweight world champion by beating Keith Thurman. He lost the belt to Yordenis Ugas in 2021 and hasn’t fought since, with plenty of teases but an ongoing political career taking precedent.
More recent talks with Khan for what would likely be an exhibition also went quiet.
