Pacquiao’s Manager Denies His Fighter Ducking Amir Khan

Manny Pacquiao’s manager, Sean Gibbons, responded after the British fighter suggested that the Filipino was not serious about a fight.

Pacquiao has been linked with a return to boxing following his three-round exhibition against Rukiya Anpo. He was heavily linked with a fight against the WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios. Reports indicated the fight could have been made by the end of the year, as Manny was chasing history by becoming the oldest welterweight champion. 

However, Barrios will face Abel Ramos on November 15 on the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson card, ruling that out. Pacquiao recently watched Anthony Joshua take on Daniel Dubois in the UK. Amir Khan was also present at the arena, as he has been linked with the Pacquiao fight throughout his career. Khan used to spar with Pacquiao under Freddie Roach at the Wildcard Gym. Amir recently revealed that Manny is not serious about a fight despite talks having taken place. 

Khan vs. Pacquaio

“With Manny, you never know if one day he’s serious because we’ve been talking about this for such a long time. Look, if he wants it, it can be in London, it can be in Manchester. Wherever it is, it could be anywhere in the world, really, because both of us fighters are big names. We could do a fight, but I just feel that Manny is wasting everyone’s time. “I just think he’s full of it, really. I just don’t believe it anymore,” Khan said 

Gibbons has now responded, stating that Pacman is serious about the fight. However, additional obstacles have prevented that from happening. The primary reason has been the lack of funds. Gibbons was clear that if the money was put up, there would be no issue in making that fight. 

“But the problem has always been the funding. It hasn’t been the fighters. So I don’t know if the funds are there or if anybody is interested or cares to do this in December in the UK, but the fighters, I think, would be ready,” Gibbons replied

Other Options

There are other options available for Pacman and Khan moving forward. Manny has also been linked with a lucrative boxing fight against Conor McGregor. McGregor currently has two fights left on his UFC deal, meaning he cannot do anything unless the UFC authorizes it. However, the Saudis have a very close relationship with Dana White following their introduction into the sport.

They recently sponsored UFC 306 at The Sphere, as $20 million was put into the event.  That close relationship means it may be possible to secure a Pacquiao and McGregor fight, provided there is enough demand for it. Khan has also stated that he would return if he could face Floyd Mayweather. The American has been having numerous exhibitions since his retirement.

Mayweather’s latest fight was a rematch against John Gotti III following the tumultuous first fight, which ended in a brawl. In his post-fight comments, Mayweather revealed that a three-fight deal for more exhibitions was possible. While he did not name anybody specifically, a fight with Khan would undoubtedly sell out if it took place in the UK. 

There are also other opportunities for Khan against Misfit fighters. He has been linked with a fight against KSI following their verbal confrontation on social media. Meanwhile, there is also the possibility of a Jake Paul fight with Khan, expressing that he is not his biggest fan. While the money has to be put up, Khan must also decide whether it is worth taking a risk on coming back. His last performance against Kell Brook showed he was not the same fighter as the Brit was stopped.

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