THIS week, whispers that Manny Pacquiao could rematch Floyd Mayweather professionally have gathered momentum. However, Amir Khan has now thrown his hat into the ring in hopes to stage ‘the fight that never happened’.
Pacquiao, 62-8-3 (39 KOs), returned to the professional scene back in July, drawing with Mario Barrios in a challenge for the WBC welterweight world title despite the four years of inactivity.
As a result, Pac-Man has been linked to another world title shot for early 2026 and was expected to next fight in January. Yet, the fresh murmurs of a second meeting with Mayweather, 50-0 (27 KOs), over a decade after their initial encounter, appear to have paused those plans.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference of yesterday’s ‘Thrilla in Manila 2’ card, Pacquiao revealed that Mayweather would be the preferred option for his next outing, as captured by Powcast Sports.
“There is a lot of ongoing negotiations right now, so it’s hard to bring [say] which fight I am going to push through. I am waiting for the final negotiation, but right now, we have a lot of negotiations about my next fight.
“There is a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather and also there is a fight with [Vasyl] Lomachenko and other fighters. Soon, we are going to announce the final decision of what fight we can push through.
“[If I could choose,] I would love to have a rematch with Floyd Mayweather.”
Yet, on his X account, former super-lightweight world champion Amir Khan, 34-6 (21 KOs), offered himself as a potential opponent for a pro fight with Pacquiao, having been linked to a showdown with one another throughout their careers.
“Let’s 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.”
Last month, Mike Tyson claimed to have signed for an exhibition bout with Mayweather for Spring 2026. Should that contest go ahead, Khan may well get his wish and land the Pacquiao fight, before the Filipino icon takes on Mayweather later in the calendar.
