Amir Khan still hopeful of £30million super-fight with Manny Pacquiao after deal fell through last minute
The Bolton bruiser also claims a fight against bitter rival Kell Brook will never happen
MANNY PACQUIAO is the man Amir Khan dreams of fighting — but he has ruled out facing bitter rival Kell Brook.
Ex-world champion Khan has returned to full training after having a piece of bone grafted from his hip into the back of his right hand.
He suffered that injury in his second pro fight 12 YEARS AGO but put off an op for fear of destroying his career.
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Now Khan is ready to step back into the ring — and claims a £30million bout with Pacquiao, 38, remains on the cards.
The Brit, 30, said: “Pacquiao is the biggest name in boxing, and I’m in the same 147 division, so it makes sense.
"People are saying the money in Dubai isn’t there and that’s why the fight is off.
“But the money is there. My team have seen the proof of that. I think the fight could happen — I really believe there’s still a chance.”
One guaranteed money-maker would be a grudge fight with IBF welterweight champion Brook, 30.
But Khan admitted: “I know what it would be like if me and Kell fought each other. I’d be talking s*** about him and he’d be talking s*** about me.
"They’d make it into a war when it should be a sport.
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“I’ve never trash-talked other boxers and I never want to be in a fight where people are thinking, ‘This is a joke — a laughing stock’. I just don’t need a fight like that.”
Asked about his long-term boxing plans, Khan added: “I give myself maybe two more years, then I’m getting out.
“I’ll try to get maybe two fights this year then go for a world-title fight early next year . . . unless a big opportunity like Pacquiao comes along sooner.”