Amir Khan left reeling by £31million Manny Pacquiao knockout blow as mega-fight plans collapse
Negotiations hit buffers to leave former light-welterweight world champion searching for a big name to pull in the punters
AMIR KHAN’S attempts to cash out before he gets knocked out hit the rocks after the plug was pulled on his mega-fight against the legendary Manny Pacquiao.
The former light-welterweight world champion was in line for a guaranteed share of around £31million from an unnamed investment group in the United Arab Emirates.
But the April bout collapsed when the backers failed to give the assurances Khan and Pacman wanted.
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The fight could still happen but for much less and not until later in the year.
It leaves Khan, 30, searching for a big name to pull in the punters following the fourth defeat of his career.
Khan, knocked out in his last bout by Canelo Alvarez, was hoping to agree a May bout with Pacman but promoter Bob Arum insisted that the deal was dead for now.
THE TARGETS
KEITH THURMAN Age 28. Won 28 (KOs 22), Lost 0, NC 1. UNDEFEATED welterweight unified division with Danny Garcia win.
LAMONT PETERSON Age 33. Won 35 (KOs 17), Lost 3, Drawn 1. BEAT Khan in 2011 but stripped of titles after failed drug test.
MIGUEL COTTO Age 36. Won 40 (KOs 33), Lost 5, Drawn 0. WON world titles at four weights and after a last money-spinner.
DANNY GARCIA Age 28. Won 33 (KOs 19), Lost 1, Drawn 0. BEAT Khan by TKO in 2012 and Khan says he wants a rematch.
KELL BROOK Age 30. Won 36 (KOs 25), Lost 1, Drawn 0. KHAN appears to be avoiding this money-spinning option.
Many want to see the domestic dispute between Khan and Kell Brook settled but Special K’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, still cannot see it happening.
Hearn said: “The reason Amir does not want to fight Kell is that he simply cannot stand the thought of losing to him.
“If Khan were to fight Pacman next and lose, then he could pick up the pieces by fighting Kell. If Khan fights Kell next and loses there would be nowhere for him to go.
“Keith Thurman is being talked about as a possible opponent for Khan and that would pay around £3m. Fight Brook and the purse jumps to £8m.”
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