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Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan pose after holding discussions about the possibility of a future fight, at Fitzroy Lodge Amateur Boxing Club on January 23, 2015 in London, England. Martin Willetts / Getty Images
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The UAE looks set to host Manny Pacquiao’s "super fight" with Amir Khan on April 23, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.
On Sunday, both boxers confirmed on their respective social media accounts that a bout between the two would take place in eight weeks’ time, yet did not specify where.
A later press release from Khan’s representatives stated the United States, the United Kingdom and the UAE were in the running, however The National understands a deal to fight in the Emirates is almost finalised. If so, Dubai would play host.
On Sunday, Pacquiao’s legal adviser, Michael Koncz, told The National via text message: "I have no statement at this time other than to confirm that yes that is Manny’s tweet and we have come to terms to fight Amir Khan. With [Khan] and his team perhaps I will give more in depth statement next week."
Koncz did later add, though, that "Yes, the fight will be held in the UAE".
Speaking on Snapchat, Khan, 30, said Dubai was one of three options on the table to take on his former training partner, and that the venue would be the confirmed "in the next couple of days". The two-time world champion added: "The fight is going to be for the WBO title and it’s a fight I know I can win. I know a lot about Manny Pacquiao."
Pacquiao, an eight-division champion, was initially slated to defend his WBO Welterweight title against undefeated Australian Jeff Horn in Brisbane on April 23. But the bout was thrown into doubt earlier this month, when Koncz told reporters in Abu Dhabi that his client would "100 per cent" fight in the Emirates.
Pacquiao, 38, quickly corroborated the news by confirming on social media that he would appear next in the ring in the UAE, before then conducting an online poll asking his Twitter followers to choose his next opponent. Khan emerged as the overwhelming favourite. Of the four options, Horn was ranked last.
Khan, who won a silver medal as a lightweight at the 2004 Olympics, has not fought since last May when he moved up two weight classes to take on middleweight Canelo Alvarez. Khan was defeated by knockout in the sixth round.
Pacquiao, meanwhile, acts as a senator in the Philippines House of Representatives, but returned to the ring last November, sealing a unanimous-decision victory against Jessie Vargas following a short retirement to pursue his career in politics. His record stands at 59-6-2, with Khan’s at 31 victories and four defeats.
Should Dubai be confirmed as the host for Pacquiao-Khan, it appears The Sevens would be the most likely venue. Well-placed sources close to both boxers are confident Pacquiao and Khan would guarantee huge interest in Dubai, given its large Filipino community and that Khan is a British Muslim of Pakistan decent.
* This story was updated on Sunday to include the comment from Michael Koncz.
http://m.thenational.ae/sport/boxin...-amir-khan-super-fight-announced-for-april-23
