Amir Khan Delivers Harsh Verdict On Manny Pacquiao Returning For World Title Shot: “Corruption” – Seconds Out

Walking away from a boxing career can often be one of the hardest aspects of the job for ageing fighters.

As a former multi-weight world champion, Manny Pacquiao is certainly someone who has nothing left to achieve.

Despite this, the 45-year-old has long spoken of wanting to return to the ring after more than two years since losing to Yourdenis Ugas. Earlier this year he was hoping to push for qualification for the Paris Olympics Games in August but was ruled out due to age restrictions, and has since been linked with fights with the likes of Conor Benn and Amir Khan.

However, las week he was given the green light by the WBC president to fight Mario Barrios for the world welterweight title and could even be mandated at the start of 2025.

Former world champion Khan has given his verdict on that fight to The Stomping Ground.

“I sparred Barrios a few times, he used to train with me. Barrios is a really nice kid, quite lean, a tall, straight-forward boxer, but I was quite surprised to see that Manny might want to make a return to the boxing ring.

Look how corrupt boxing is. It’s full of corruption. It’s not like it used to be, then again they always have their favourites. They’re going to let them fight, whoever brings the most money to the table they will sanction them to fight.”

He then suggested it would be fairer if younger fighters were allowed their chance to shine.

“If Manny wants to come and fight for a world title why not but it’s a bit unfair isn’t it. There are so many young fighters coming up. Really I think you should give the next generation a chance, man.”

Barrios has only fought once this year, beating Fabian Andres Maidana on points back in May and has previously lost to Keith Thurman and Gervonta Davis before picking up his interim WBC title against Ugas in September last year. He was elevated to full champion in June.