Former Boxing Icon Wants Manny Pacquiao to Fight Him Instead of Floyd Mayweather

BoxingNovember 12, 2025

Amir Khan isn’t done yet. Or at least, not if Manny Pacquiao says yes. The former world champion from the UK sent a bold message on X in October 2025, calling for one final fight. He didn’t mince words. Khan tagged Pacquiao and wrote, “I’m up for one final dance, but only with you as my partner.”

For Khan, this fight is personal. It is unfinished business. They trained under the same coach, Freddie Roach. They sparred in the same gym.

LETS GO @MannyPacquiao I’m up for one final dance but only with you as my partner. You’re still talking rematch with Floyd? Let’s make OUR fight that never happened. This is the ONLY one that gets me out of retirement – it’s what the fans always wanted 🤔 pic.twitter.com/NYSFRP5tsJ

— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) October 29, 2025

For years, fans wanted to see them clash in the ring. But it never happened. Now, Khan says it is time.

Manny / IG / The boxing world knows this fight would have meant more 10 years ago. Both men were in their prime back then. But Khan doesn’t care.

He says the fight still matters. He wants respect and believes fans still care. And he is using that old-school connection with Pacquiao to try to make it happen.

Khan is framing it as a proper send-off for both of them. One “last dance” between two former stars.

Pacquiao Has Plenty of Options

While Khan is talking legacy, Pacquiao is weighing money, hype, and risk. He’s already booked to fight on January 24, 2026, in Las Vegas. The question is, against whom? He has a few names in mind. Some are familiar, others less so.

The big one, of course, is Floyd Mayweather. Talks for a sequel to their massive 2015 bout are almost done. It is the fight with the most eyeballs, and probably the fattest paycheck. But nothing is signed yet. That leaves barely room for someone like Khan to sneak in.

If Pacquiao skips Mayweather, other opponents are already in line. Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero is the current frontrunner. He is young, flashy, and holds the WBA welterweight title. But he hasn’t sealed the deal either. Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis is another name tossed around. He is tied up with Jake Paul in November, but could step in next.

Conor Benn is also in the mix. He has a rematch coming up with Chris Eubank Jr., but if he wins, he could be a wildcard. And then there is Mario Barrios. He fought Pacquiao to a draw last year so that a rematch wouldn’t shock anyone. All of this leaves Khan on the outside looking in.

Amir / IG / Khan needs fans to rally behind the idea. Without buzz, Pacquiao won’t even blink. Right now, Mayweather still steals the spotlight.

Khan’s Pitch Is Pure Nostalgia

What Khan is offering isn’t a title shot. Two former stars, same roots, same gym, finally squaring off. He is betting on emotion over numbers. That could be a smart move. At this stage, fans love a good throwback.

Reactions to Khan’s challenge have been all over the place. Some people love the idea. They say it is the perfect way to close out two legendary careers. Others? Not so much. They think it is too little, too late. The timing feels off, and Khan hasn’t fought in years.

Still, the sport has seen stranger things. If Pacquiao turns down Mayweather or negotiations fall apart, Khan could step in as a Plan B. It wouldn’t be the blockbuster of 2010, but it could still sell tickets. Especially if promoted right. People still love a good redemption arc.

The elephant in the room is Floyd Mayweather. Like it or not, he brings the biggest payday. Even if the fight lacks suspense, it draws a crowd. That is hard to ignore. Pacquiao knows this. So does everyone else.