Manny Pacquiao vs Amir Khan date, location, preview, Twitter poll results

Manny Pacquiao (59-6), the reigning WBO world welterweight champion, will lock horns with Great Britain’s Amir Khan (31-4) on April 23, per several reports. The match was confirmed by both fighters, following a Twitter poll which rejected Australian Jeff Horn as Pacquiao's next opponent.

According to The Independent, the super fight will be staged at either Macau, the gambling island close to Hong Kong, or Dubai. During a social media video, Khan hinted that the UK and US were also viewed as possible destinations before suggesting that a location would be decided "within the next couple of days."

Khan, who hasn't entered the ring since knocking out Mexican Saul "Canelo" Alvarez last May, received 48 percent of the votes (see Tweet below) and edged out fellow Briton Kell Brook, Australia's Jeff Horn and American Terence Crawford as Manny Pacquiao's next opponent. Pacquiao, who won the WBO title after beating Jessie Vargas in November, conducted the Twitter poll himself.

Manny Pacquiao vs Amir Khan: Fight scheduled for April 23

A few years ago, Pacquiao and Khan had sparred with one another. “When I sparred with Manny he was dangerous. They were hard rounds and I knew then that one day I would fight him. I have been ready for a long time and I thought he was going to avoid me like Mayweather.” Khan said, via The Independent. The Briton has often accused both Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao of avoiding a bout with him. The fight with Mayweathr nearly became a reality few years back when a similar online poll listed Khan as the No. 1 choice.

Pacquiao, 38, confirmed the fight via a Tweet on Sunday: "Negotiations between team Pacquiao and team Khan have come to terms for the April 23 bout as this is what the fans wanted." Khan confirmed the same: "My team an I have agreed terms with Manny Pacquiao and his team for a super fight #pacquiaokhan #April23rd."

Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter, recently told ESPN that the fight could take place in the UAE. "Manny is trying to get a fight done in the United Arab Emirates. The people there favour him fighting Amir Khan. Whether it will happen or not, I just don't know because they have to come up with a large amount of money. Manny seems to believe they will come up with the money. I have some reservations whether it will happen or not. If the money comes up I will aid and abet the fight happening."