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Sport

13th Oct 2015

Amir Khan ditches Manny Pacquiao talks in favour for a Floyd Mayweather rematch

Simon Lloyd

Any hopes of ever seeing Amir Khan take on Manny Pacquiao have been dashed, as the Bolton boxer revealed he’s walked away from talks.

Rumours are now circulating that Pacquiao’s camp may have cooled their interest in the fight, with the Filipino setting his sights on a rematch against Floyd Mayweather.

Mayweather is said to be keen to take his record to 50-0, bettering that of Rocky Marciano.

A rematch could take place in Las Vegas as soon as next May, suggests The National, coinciding with the opening of the MGM Grand’s new arena.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. v Manny Pacquiao

Khan has now revealed his team recently discussed a potential meeting with Pacquaio’s representatives in Doha, with the Briton appearing to believe that the fight was likely.

“I’m really disappointed in Manny and his team,” Khan told The National. “They aren’t playing ball. All that was left to do is to sign the contract. But they are stalling.

“I have pulled out of the negotiations. I am no longer fighting Manny Pacquiao.”

Clearly disappointed after putting recent shoulder surgery behind him, Khan has dealt with similar treatment from Mayweather in the past.

PBC: Amir Khan v Chris Algieri

On three occasions, Khan was expected to be Mayweather’s next opponents, only for the American to choose to fight another opponent.

“I am not going to wait around for Manny like I did for Mayweather,” Khan continues. “I need to fight and if they don’t want to fight then that’s fine, I have other targets.

“They know I am a tricky fight for him and they know I will beat him,” he added. “Or else, why pull out of a fight when there is a lot of money on the table?”