By Edward Chaykovsky

Based on their years of sparring against each other, British star Amir Khan (31-3, 19 KOs) is confident that he can definitely beat his friend, Manny Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KOs), if the two sides reach a deal for an early 2016 showdown.

Khan's handlers are in talks with Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, to make the fight happen in the first half of next year.

If a deal does not come through, Khan will look to return in December.

Pacquiao has been recovering from surgery to correct a right shoulder injury which he suffered during his twelve round unanimous decision loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2nd. Pacquiao had a recent visit with his local physician and hand a positive MRI scan.

The fight is being targeted for a date in February or April.

They trained side by side under the rule of trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California. Khan left Roach in 2012 and hired Virgil Hunter.

Khan feels the new teachings that he's learned over the years from Hunter will push him to victory over the Filipino superstar.

"I want to fight Manny Pacquiao. Me and Manny have been friends for a long time but sometimes you have to put friendship to one side," Khan said to Daily Mail.  "We've done plenty of rounds in the ring together, sparring. No-one's ever seen the sparring sessions, I haven't leaked any videos."

"We had the same trainer so as a storyline, it will be a great fight. With what I've learned in the last few years, I can definitely fight Manny Pacquiao, and beat Manny Pacquiao."