By Mark Vester
WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan has arrived to the Philippines to join trainer Freddie Roach and WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao in training camp.
In previous reports, Roach and conditioning coach Alex Ariza said Khan and Pacquiao would not spar in camp, but the plan has changed. Roach has told Khan that he and Pacquiao will do some sparring to prepare for their upcoming fights. Pacquiao faces Antonio Margarito on November 13 and Khan makes a defense against mandatory Marcos Maidana on December 11.
“I spoke to Freddie Roach and he did say me and Manny will be doing a little bit of sparring. We fight similar times. I fight 4 weeks after Manny. But it’s good to be here you know, just to share the ring with Manny Pacquiao and be working with Freddie Roach and Alex Ariza,” Khan said to BoxingScene.com's Ronnie Nathanielsz .
He was asked for his prediction on the fight and said Pacquiao should stop Margarito by eight or ninth round. He doesn't think Margarito's size will be that big of a factor.
“Whoever you put in front of Manny Pacquiao, I think Manny will beat easily. He’s got the skill, he’s got the speed, he’s got the footwork. This fight I think Manny will stop him maybe in Round 8 or Round 9,” Khan said. “Manny is tougher. Manny is big and strong as well. It’s like Manny is a nice guy outside the ring but when he gets in the ring, he’s an animal.”
