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Amir Khan has pulled out of negotiations to fight former gym-mate Manny Pacquiao, according to a newsaper in Abu Dhabi.
The Bolton fighter was in talks with the 36-year-old Filipino superstar, who is set to return to training before the end of the year after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder following his defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr in boxing's richest-ever fight in May.
Pacquiao had acknowledged that welterweight Khan was a potential opponent for his comeback bout, but the Briton's hopes have been dashed with speculation growing that Pacquiao has set his sights on a rematch with Mayweather Jr, despite the American's retirement following 49 unbeaten fights.
Khan - who sparred regularly with Pacquiao when the pair were trained by Freddie Roach - has revealed their advisors met in Doha last week but were unable to reach an agreement.
Khan is now looking at alternative options for a fight early next year, including Sheffield's IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook.
"I am not going to wait around for Manny like I did for Mayweather," he added. "I need to fight and if they don't want to fight then that's fine, I have other targets.
"I already had a back-up plan drawn up in case the Pacquiao fight didn't go to plan. We are looking at a Danny Garcia rematch. I also would like to fight Tim Bradley; that's another interesting fight.
"A rematch with Lamont Peterson and, of course, Kell Brook is also another option.
"I am willing to fight anyone, but it seems not everyone is willing to fight me."
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The Bolton fighter was in talks with the 36-year-old Filipino superstar, who is set to return to training before the end of the year after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder following his defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr in boxing's richest-ever fight in May.
Pacquiao had acknowledged that welterweight Khan was a potential opponent for his comeback bout, but the Briton's hopes have been dashed with speculation growing that Pacquiao has set his sights on a rematch with Mayweather Jr, despite the American's retirement following 49 unbeaten fights.
Khan - who sparred regularly with Pacquiao when the pair were trained by Freddie Roach - has revealed their advisors met in Doha last week but were unable to reach an agreement.
Khan is now looking at alternative options for a fight early next year, including Sheffield's IBF welterweight champion Kell Brook.
"I am not going to wait around for Manny like I did for Mayweather," he added. "I need to fight and if they don't want to fight then that's fine, I have other targets.
"I already had a back-up plan drawn up in case the Pacquiao fight didn't go to plan. We are looking at a Danny Garcia rematch. I also would like to fight Tim Bradley; that's another interesting fight.
"A rematch with Lamont Peterson and, of course, Kell Brook is also another option.
"I am willing to fight anyone, but it seems not everyone is willing to fight me."
[Click Here To Read More]
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