By Mark Vester
Training for his American debut on May 15 against Paulie Malignaggi in New York's Madison Square Garden, WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan, 23, has gone on the record stating that he plans to retire by 2015. Khan wants to have all of his big challenges before the five year period is over, and that included mega-fights with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
"In the next four years I will have all my big fights so in five years time I will be gone," News of The World quoted Khan, as saying. "When I hit my peak I will be fighting men like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. They will be my last few fights. There are so many big fights in my division, but my body will tell me when to call it a day. That is why Ricky Hatton needs to retire. He could be one fight away from getting hurt."
Khan and Pacquiao are training mates at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California. The facility is run by Freddie Roach, who trains both fighters. The decision by Khan to target a future clash with Pacquiao could put Roach in a very tight spot. Khan and Pacquiao even use the same strength and conditioning trainer, Alex Ariza.
The veteran trainer is close with both fighters but he looks at Pacquiao like a son. For financial and personal reasons, Roach would back Pacquiao and break away from Khan - if his hand was forced to choose one side. Most don't expect Khan to every reach the Pacquiao sweepstakes because the Filipino champion is only a few fights away from retirement. Roach said in one interview that he doesn't see Pacquiao fighting past 2011.
