Khan: I'll never fight Pacquiao

Khan: I'll never fight Pacquiao James Robson December 03, 2009 Amir Khan AMIR Khan insists he will never take on his idol, pound-for-pound king, Manny Pacquiao. But trainer Freddie Roach is convinced the WBA light-welterweight champion is the natural successor to Pacquiao's crown as the number one fighter on the planet. Khan makes his first defence of the title he won in July when he takes on mandatory challenger, Dmitriy Salita, on Saturday. Part of his preparation included sparring with Pacquiao. But, while the 22-year-old dreams of one day emulating the Filipino multiple world champion, he is adamant their rivalry will never go beyond the confines of Roach's Los Angeles Wild Card gym. Khan was at ringside to cheer his friend on in his stunning victory over Miguel Cotto last month and says he can never imagine going up against the 30-year-old for real. "His performance against Cotto was amazing," said Khan. "It inspires you when you see a great champion do that. "I trained with him for five weeks and to just pick anything up from him will help my career. "But I can't see me fighting him. By the time I get up to that level he will have called it a day. I've too much respect to fight him." Khan has come on in strides since asking super coach, Roach, to be his mentor. Roach belief The man who turned Pacquiao into the best fighter on the planet has already led Khan to the WBA belt in less than a year and believes this is just the start for the 2004 Olympic silver medalist. First up is Salita at Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena - but Roach has plans to conquer America - taking on the biggest names like Juan Manuel Marquez and Cotto. And just as Pacquiao has won titles from flyweight up to welterweight, Roach believes Khan can also rule at multiple weights. "He and Manny Pacquiao are very similar," said Roach. "They've both got power and speed and when you have both it can be devastating. "I see him following Manny's path. They train together and when they spar it gets very competitive. The future is endless for him. "He has the bodyform to move up the divisions for sure. 135lbs would be okay, but I like 140 even better. He will be a welterweight and maybe even a middleweight I'd say." Such debates will have to be put on the backburner, with Khan first having to overcome the undefeated Salita. "He's a good operator, he's skilful, has good movement and is quite quick," said Khan. "People forget how quick he is. He's undefeated and any undefeated fighter has done a great job. "I have to be careful because he will work on my weak points. I took the fight that will bring the best out of me as well. "He's got one of those styles that will make me look good and bring the best out of me." Will Khan ever emulate Paquiao? Have your sa I like it when khan says "when i get to that level, Pacman will have left" as if it is a foregone conclusion for Khan that he will someday reach Pacs level. It isnt easy afterall and khan makes it sound like he will get there eventually. He may, or may not. But Pac wouldnt fight Khan anyway. Pac is putting the icing on his legacy now and wont chase fights against up and coming newcomers. But khan wont move up the weights that much because he plans to retire at 27 or so so wont put much weight on. If he retired at 30 he might be a middleweight by then though.

I hope Khan gets banged out again sat the dude is a right prick...

This is just PR media promotion bullshit. Who has khan fought who is any good? By the time Khan ever gets round if he ever does to fighting a dangerous fighter Manny will be long retired. These stupid stories are to condition gullible minds that Khan is better than he really is. Think about it Salita looks about as good a fighter as Khan has faced and he is talking about never fighting Manny . Here is a piss take of khan media hype http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfRdFTlG_MU

War salita!!!!!

Smart move on Khan's part. Not that he would ever get the opportunity because if he did he would take that big money. But he would get absolutely destroyed by Pac even if he did get the chance.

Reported for Racism on Jewish people Reported for jerking off to mayweather everyday. Is it me or did I miss the racism part. Funny that both of u are from ireland.

Khan is never going to be even close to that level what Pacman is now.

If a limited salita does it would be just as satisfying. Reported for Racism on Jewish people

If a limited salita does it would be just as satisfying. Oh yes. As long as he gets destroyed again.

khan wouldnt last for more then 2 rounds against pac

That's too bad. I would love to see Manny destroy Khan.