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Not too long ago, Amir Khan and Manny Pacquiao shared rings at Freddie Roach's Wild Card gym, both training under the Hall of Famer, occasionally sparring. Eventually, after Khan left Roach's gym, there was speculation about the two fighting each other for real. There were even some negotiations recently. But in the end, things didn't come together.
Khan has a big, weird fight coming up on May 7 against Canelo Alvarez, while Pacquiao returns tomorrow in Las Vegas against Timothy Bradley, facing an old foe for the third time in what is supposedly the final fight of the Filipino's legendary career.
Khan spoke with Premier Sports, who will have live pay-per-view coverage of Pacquiao-Bradley III in the United Kingdom, about the fight and about Manny Pacquiao.
On Pacquiao's legacy
"What Manny has achieved in boxing is incredible. If he does call it a day with his career he can look back and be very proud of what he achieved because very few fighters have done what he has.
"He’s been in top fights, won a lot of world titles and has fought for everything to get to where he has got to so I have nothing but respect for that.
"It’s clear that he is one of the best fighters of this generation and I wish him nothing but the best if he does end his career against Bradley."
On Pacquiao-Khan not happening
"You always want to test yourself against the best and Manny is still one of the best around. It’s a fight we tried to make happen between us but for some reason or other it never came about.
"My team met with Bob Arum in London and we had agreed everything but it didn’t happen. It would have been a great fight and backstory but we both have other big fights coming up so are focused on them.
"I have no doubt it would have been an explosive fight but I wish Manny luck in his fight with Bradley."
On Pacquiao-Bradley
"I think the fight will be closer this time around but Manny will have too much in the end. It will be interesting to see how he bounces back from his shoulder injury though and what sort of affect that will have on him.
"Bradley has improved under Teddy Atlas but it takes time to really get to know each other and they’ve only been together for one fight so it’s still early in their relationship.
"I’m interested to see what they have up their sleeve for this fight but I’m sure Manny will be able to deal with it."