Amir Khan Speaks About His Frustrations For Missing Out On Fighting Mayweather Or Pacquiao

If there is one person who isn’t too pleased that Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao has finally agreed to fight, it is Amir Khan. Even though the fight is billed as the richest and the most exciting bout in the history of boxing in recent years, Khan is certain that it is not going to be as fiery as it would have been had it happened six years ago when the boxing world first screamed for it.

In an interview with The Sun, Khan has expressed his frustrations for not being able to secure a deal with Mayweather for the third time. Khan’s name has always been included as one of Mayweather’s possible opponents since 2014, but the undefeated American fighter opted to fight Argentine Marcos Maidana twice last year instead of him.

During the time when Mayweather and Pacquiao were negotiating to seal the deal, Khan’s camp waited in the wings. According to Khan, they were close to finalising with the Filipino boxing icon. Khan believes that his dominating performance against Devon Alexander has earned him the right to face boxing’s elite fighters.

Khan added that the reason why Mayweather chose to fight Pacquiao instead is because it is an “easier fight.” In addition, Khan thinks that it a smart decision on Mayweather’s part, financial-wise. It has been widely reported that Mayweather and Pacquiao will share a 60-40 split off the fight, with Mayweather taking home a guaranteed $100 million while Pacquiao is said to receive $80 million.

Khan said that it would have been great if Mayweather and Pacquiao fought five or six years ago when they were at the peak of their boxing careers. Even though the fight is still regarded as the biggest and richest in the history of boxing, Khan reckons it still would have been very big if it took place a few years back.

“They both seemed unbeatable then,” Khan said. “Six years later, Manny Pacquiao has had two defeats and been knocked out while Mayweather has had some good fights but he is getting old and he’s showing signs of ageing now.”

While there is no doubt that Mayweather and Pacquiao are two of the greatest fighters today, Khan senses that the May 2 showdown at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas is not going to be an explosive bout but a boring one instead, much like the previous mega-fights.

Meanwhile, Mayweather is not too happy with Khan’s claims. The undefeated fighter is quick to counter the statements made by the Bolton-born boxer and even poked fun at him, saying that he would be more than glad to buy him a ticket.

“I can even get him a ticket if he wants,” Mayweather was quoted as saying in an article by the Daily Mail. “So he can see what the biggest fight in the history of boxing looks like and to appease any fears he might have about a boring fight.”

Mayweather said that he appreciates Khan’s concern about the superfight but also assured that the British boxer doesn’t need to be bothered. Mayweather, who celebrated his 38th birthday on Feb. 24, added that he understands how much Khan is longing to fight him. Unfortunately, it is not what the boxing fans are asking for right now.

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