The Peninsula
Britain’s former unified light-welterweight boxing world champion Amir Khan (pictured) is hoping for a fight against Philippines superstar Manny Pacquiao and he believes Doha will be the right venue to host the event if the high-profile bout is planned.
The boxing star appeared on beIN SPORTS’s ‘Allo beIN’ show, and spoke openly about his future in the sport.
When asked who his next opponent might be, the British star said: “I want to fight against Manny Pacquiao, he’s the champion. I want to reach the level that I can fight against anyone without fearing anything.”
Speaking on the potential venue for the fight, Khan said: “Why don’t Qatar host the event, as it’s already prepared for the 2022 World Cup? I love Qatar and I loved my last stay there.”
The 33-year-old said he had no plans to retire, saying he still has a lot of passion for boxing.
“I like to box… I’d love to continue boxing, and whenever I see my trophies and my achievements, it boosts me even more (to continue in the sport). I’m still in contact with most of the people who are related to this amazing sport, and of course with Nasser Al Khelaifi (Chairman of beIN Media Group) from time to time, and I believe everything will be amazing.”
When asked about potential switch to MMA, Khan laughed off the suggestion, stating: “No, no, no. I can’t kick - and I don’t know how to be honest - as I’m into boxing. I think that kind of sport is difficult for me.”
Khan has earned a reported £60m from boxing. When asked if he had a target to reach before retirement, he said: “In the boxing world, I gave a lot, and it gave me a lot also.”
“I won many trophies and gained money from everywhere and got famous. It helped me a lot to support the community, do my charity work, and give a hand to people in need.”
Khan said he was continuing his charity work amid the COVID-19 crisis.
“It’s always nice to help the people in need whether they are here or somewhere else around the world. We are currently giving support to the people who suffered from COVID-19 here in England and Pakistan.
“We give food and support to people who don’t have work at the moment, or who have had their work affected from the current (COVID-19) situation,” he added.