Amir Khan Addresses Roach’s Comments That Pacquiao Used To Knock Out The Bolton-Born Boxer During Sparring Sessions
Amir Khan has addressed Freddie Roach's comments claiming that Manny Pacquiao used to knock him out cold during sparring sessions. According to Khan, there isn't an ounce of truth to Roach's recent statements.
In an interview with Fight Hype, Khan explained he was never hurt when he used to spar with Pacquiao. He made it clear though that he has nothing against Roach and Pacquiao. He said he respects the Hall of Fame trainer and the eight-division Filipino world champion, but he stated his side to shed light on the matter.
"He (Pacquiao) never put me down," Khan said. "We had great, competitive sparring sessions, but he never put me down, ever or even got close to putting me down. People at the gym will tell you."
Khan said he even has a video to prove that nothing like what Roach has been claiming happened. He added he couldn't fathom why Roach could say something like that.
Recently, Roach has revealed Pacquiao used to knock out Khan in sparring session, Mail Online reported. The 54-year-old trainer stated that the British boxing icon has been knocked down by Pacquiao four or five times during their sparring sessions.
Roach also commented on the idea of the possible meeting between his protégé and former student. He said he doesn't see the point of a Pacquiao vs. Khan fight. Roach said it would not be that big of a bout.
Khan hired Roach in 2008, but parted ways with him four years later in September 2012. Khan's decision to go his own way was influenced by the fact that he had to share Roach with other fighters such as Julio Cesar Chavez and Pacquiao. The fact that Khan wasn't getting enough one-on-one time with Roach had reportedly contributed to Khan's decision to leave Roach. After firing Roach, Khan has appointed Virgil Hunter as his new trainer.
Meanwhile, Khan will step back in to the ring in less than a month. The 2004 Olympic medalist will defend his World Boxing Council Silver Welterweight title against Devon Alexander on Dec. 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.