Amir Khan moved a step closer to a clash with Manny Pacquiao by beating Billy Dib in convincing fashion on Friday night.
The British boxer instantly called for a clash with Pacquiao in Saudi Arabia later this year as he eyes a huge shot at the Filipino legend.
But Pacquiao still has to do his bit to set up the clash as he steps back into the ring against Keith Thurman in a battle for the WBA (super) welterweight title in Las Vegas next Saturday (July 20).
Despite Thurman being the much younger fight, Khan reckons former sparring partner Pacquiao, 40, holds the speed and experience to emerge with his 62nd professional win.
(Image: Getty)
Khan told ITV Boxing : “So the Pacquiao-Thurman fight, I think I favour more towards Pacquiao.
“Because Pacquiao has fought better opposition, he’s got the speed and the movement.
“He’s a southpaw, I don’t know how Thurman’s going to do against a southpaw.
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
“Thurman’s last fight wasn’t the best. I mean he did have a very tough fight against Joselito Lopez and it didn’t look the best, he obviously had that shoulder injury and had been out the ring for a long time.
“I favour Pacquaio because he’s been more active, and at the same time he’s been in with bigger and better opposition.
“I lean more towards Pacquaio, but Thurman’s got the power and the strength to hurt Pacquiao so let’s see if he can do that.
“I just don’t think he’ll get to Pacquiao.”
(Image: Dave Pinegar)
After beating Australian fighter Dib in Jeddah on Friday night via fourth round stoppage, Khan declared:
“We want the Manny Pacquiao fight, let’s hope he comes to Saudi Arabia. Hopefully we come back at the end of the year and bring Manny Pacquiao here.”
