Former sparring partners Amir Khan and Manny Pacquiao have confirmed their ‘super fight’ will take place in April 23 in the United Arab Emirates, with an official announcement expected in the coming days. On Sunday [February 26, 2017], both boxers confirmed on their respective social media accounts that the bout would take place in eight weeks’ time.
And Khan, 30, tweeted:
‘My team an I have agreed terms with Manny Pacquiao and his team for a super fight #pacquiaokhan #April23rd.’
My team an I have agreed terms with Manny Pacquiao and his team for a super fight #pacquiaokhan #April23rd
— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) February 26, 2017
Pacquiao, 38, tweeted:
‘Negotiations between team Pacquiao and team Khan have come to terms for the April 23 bout as this is what the fans wanted.’
Negotiations between team Pacquiao and team Khan have come to terms for the April 23 bout as this is what the fans wanted. #PacquiaoKhan
— Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) February 26, 2017
The bout will mark Pac-man’s 68th fight, and Khan’s 35th. Pacquiao, who boasts a proud record of winning world titles in every weight class from flyweight up to light middleweight, is box-office gold and genuine boxing legend. In his last ring appearance on November 5, Pacquiao scored a unanimous decision over Jessie Vargas, improving his professional record to 59 wins from 67 fights.
While Khan’s record (31-4) is as nearly perfect, he is definitely in need of career-defining win. The two-time world champion at light-welterweight, has not fought since last May when he moved up two weight classes to fight middleweight Canelo Alvarez.
It also follows reports that a £32 million offer from the Gulf state has deviated promoter Bob Arum’s plans for Pacquiao to defend his world welterweight title against Australian Jeff Horn in Brisbane.
After years of anticipation, Middle Eastern and global fans will get to see The Brit and Pac Man go toe to toe in a high-octane clash of two of the biggest stars in boxing.
The statements are affirmarive, and this time, it seems more real than ever that this multi-million dollar fight will actually come true.
