Sports
Pacquiao, Khan announce they will fight on April 23
WBO world welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan say they have agreed to terms for a fight on April 23. (Photo: Manny Pacquiao/ Facebook)
WBO world welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan say they have agreed to terms for a fight on April 23.
The boxers’ promoters are yet to announce any details. Golden Boy Promotions, Khan’s promoter, didn’t reply to a request from The Associated Press on Sunday for confirmation.
Pacquiao, who came out of retirement to win the WBO belt by beating Jesse Vargas in November, says on his Twitter account that he is fighting Khan because “this is what the fans wanted.” Pacquiao’s followers on Twitter recently voted for Khan to be the 38-year-old Filipino’s next opponent, ahead of Jeff Horn of Australia, Terence Crawford of the United States or Kell Brook of Britain.
Khan hasn’t fought since stepping up to middleweight and getting knocked out by WBC champion Canelo Alvarez in May. He described the bout against Pacquiao as a “super fight.”
Khan and Pacquiao used to be sparring partners under trainer Freddie Roach. Khan left Roach in 2012.
April 23 is a Sunday, which suggests the fight could take place outside the United States or Britain. Pacquiao has previously said he would next fight in the United Arab Emirates.
