By Edward Chaykovsky
Former champion, manager and promoter Barry McGuigan would much rather see Amir Khan take on his former sparring mate Manny Pacquiao - because he feels its a much better fight in terms of styles and excitement than a potential fight between Khan and Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Khan was hoping to get his hands on Mayweather on September 12th. Mayweather instead selected Andre Berto as the Showtime Pay-Per-View opponent.
Mayweather won a twelve round unanimous decision over Pacquiao on May 2nd in a mega-fight that lacked fireworks.
McGuigan views a Mayweather-Khan showdown as lacking the necessary fireworks as well. But when it comes to a fight between Khan and Pacquiao, McGuigan expects a lot of drama because of Khan's willingness to trade punches - especially when he finds himself in trouble.
Khan and Pacquiao had trained side by side for years under Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. Khan parted with Roach in 2012 and hired Virgil Hunter.
Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank, would love to make the fight with Khan in the first half of 2016.
"I've said many times that boxing today is about great bouts more than titles. I know who I'd rather see the Bolton man meet next — and it’s not Floyd. I feel sorry for Amir Khan that he didn’t get the Mayweather fight, but Manny Pacquiao is not bad compensation," McGuigan wrote in The Mirror.
"Khan vs Pacquiao would grace any venue, and Brit Khan has earned his chance. He is better than waiting around for Mayweather. It is a testament to Khan's talent that Mayweather chose to fight Andre Berto, absurd as that is — the Bolton man was always too great a risk, because he is a world class fighter in his prime. It is time for Khan to move on."
"Khan has none of Mayweather’s instinct for self-preservation. He is full of machismo and likes to go after opponents come what may. Against Pacquiao, that is inviting trouble. Mayweather did not allow Pacquiao the luxury of proximity when they met in May. He was always out of range. Khan does not fight that way. He can’t help himself despite the risks involved in trading punches. That Pacquiao is one of the most lethal punchers we have seen in the lighter weights is all the more reason to go after him."
