JOHANNESBURG: Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has confirmed that he is in negotiations to face Pakistan-born British fighter Amir Khan, following weeks of conflicting reports about his next bout.
Taking to his official Twitter account, the 38-year-old said, “My team and I are in negotiations with Amir Khan for our next fight. Further announcements coming soon.”
The boxer-turned politician’s comments came in the wake of the various speculations surrounding who he would be facing next and where the fight would be held.
Earlier this week, a business adviser of Pacquiao had also said that the fighter’s next opponent would "most likely" to be Khan in Dubai, but other aides refused to comment on the same.
With the announcement, Australian boxer Jeff Horn’s hopes of a dream fight against Pacquiao in April are also dashed, Sport24 reported.
Pacquiao, who boasted an enviable record of 58 wins in his 66 professional fights, originally called curtains on his illustrious career last year after beating Timothy Bradley by unanimous decision in April before being elected to the Philippines senate a month later.
However, he made a successful comeback against Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas in November last year, saying he still felt like a youngster.