Former unified super-lightweight world champion Amir Khan retired in 2022, but the Bolton-born fan-favourite could be set for the co-main event of the blockbuster Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua card.
Khan went toe-to-toe with bitter rival Kell Brook at the AO Arena in Manchester over four years ago and – whilst Khan showed glimpses of the speed that brought him such success in his career – his body simply could not withstand the punishment that was being dished out by ‘Special K’.
After campaigning for the fight for a number of years, Brook got his long-awaited win via sixth-round knockout. After the bout Khan received a two-year backdated ban following a positive test for performance-enhancing drug, Ostarine, with that suspension having since expired in April 2024.
‘King Khan’ is now being linked with another high-profile comeback, with reports suggesting a shock clash against legendary eight-division champion and Hall of Fame inductee Manny Pacquiao in the co-main event of the Fury-Joshua bill, according BoxingScene.
“In an effort to maximize its global audience for the card, Netflix officials have expressed that adding record eight-division champion and Hall of Famer Pacquiao can provide massive, continent-wide viewership from Asia and beyond given his worldwide, household-name standing.
“Who he’ll fight is unknown. One connected official said it will not be IBF welterweight champion Liam Paro. Retired champion fighters Danny Garcia and Amir Khan have been proposed.”
Pacquiao last competed in July 2025 when he fought to a draw in a WBC welterweight title fight with Mario Barrios, and had been linked to a clash with Shakur Stevenson on the Fury vs Joshua card.
It appears that Stevenson is now no longer in the running, but a clash against Khan would certainly be a surprise match-up for the event.
