• Welterweight

Pacquiao trainer admits Khan fight may be unavoidable

ESPN staff
November 10, 2011
Freddie Roach trains Amir Khan and Manny Pacquiao © PA Photos
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Trainer Freddie Roach admits Amir Khan was annoyed when he was forbidden from sparring with Manny Pacquiao - although Roach still does not expect the two to fight in future.

Last month Khan revealed that there were tensions between his camp and Pacquiao's, with the Filipino's entourage questioning whether it was wise for their man to practice alongside the Brit.

That raised speculation a Pacquiao-Khan fight, previously considered off-limits given the pair's friendship, may come to fruition during 2012. But Roach says the only way it could happen is if Amir Khan defeats Floyd Mayweather Jnr first.

"One of Manny's guys said, 'Amir is going to be a future opponent, you really shouldn't box with him,'" Roach told the Times. "Amir was a little upset about that. They are both my friends and both my fighters.

"I would ask them not to do it. I think they'll have enough respect for me that they'll listen, but sometimes you can go in this whole business and make a lot of money.

"Never say never. If Manny has run out of opponents... But the only way I can see it is if Amir beats Mayweather first. Then him and Amir will have to fight."

WBO welterweight supremo Pacquiao completes a trilogy against Juan Manuel Marquez on November 12, while WBA and IBF light-welterweight king Khan faces Lamont Peterson on December 10.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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