Amir Khan boldly claims he had what it takes to beat boxing legends Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao — a statement that not only surprises but invites debate among fans and experts alike. But here’s where it gets controversial: why did these high-profile matchups never materialize despite Khan’s confidence and talent?
Speaking from Bangkok, Thailand, where he attended the WBC convention gala dinner, Khan, now 38, reflected candidly on his career and future. Unlike Terence Crawford, the undefeated and current undisputed super middleweight champion who shares his age, Khan has firmly stepped away from professional competition. “My journey in boxing has come to an end,” Khan said. “It’s time for the newer generation to rise and take the spotlight.” He encouraged younger fighters to learn from his experiences—both the triumphs and setbacks—that defined his remarkable career.
Khan retired with a professional record of 34 wins, 6 losses, and 21 knockouts. His achievements include holding the 140-pound title, challenging for the welterweight crown, and even battling for the middleweight championship against Canelo Alvarez. Among his most memorable moments was the 2010 Fight of the Year, recognized by the Boxing Writers Association of America, when he outpointed the tough Argentinian Marcos Maidana in a grueling Las Vegas showdown.
Khan insisted he harbors no regrets about his decisions or path in boxing, attributing his journey to a divine plan. “Every choice I made was part of a bigger design,” he said. Yet, when pressed about whether he could have defeated the Hall of Famers of his era — specifically the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. and multi-division champion Manny Pacquiao — Khan did not hesitate. “Absolutely, 100%. I know this because they never accepted the challenge to fight me,” he revealed, suggesting avoidance was why those marquee fights never took place.
Interestingly, Khan trained alongside Pacquiao at the famed Wild Card Boxing Club under coach Freddie Roach, a detail that he believes played a part in the reluctance for a bout to happen. Meanwhile, Mayweather seemed to prefer rivaling other elite fighters like Juan Manuel Marquez, Canelo Alvarez, and Maidana during the peak of Khan’s career.
Revisiting the Maidana fight—now over 15 years ago—Khan recalled how he knocked Maidana down in the first round and withstood intense punishment throughout. His resilience quieted critics doubting his chin, ultimately earning a unanimous decision victory with scores of 114-111, 114-111, and 113-112 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. He remains convinced that on that night, no opponent could have bested him.
“That night, I believe I was unbeatable,” Khan emphasized. “I’ve always fought with passion, putting my heart into every match. Taking on tough competitors like Maidana and Devon Alexander came with high risks but defined my commitment.”
Fast forward to 2016, Khan was part of a significant moment as he headlined the opening boxing event at T-Mobile Arena. In that fight, he held his own against Canelo Alvarez for five rounds on one judge’s card before being stopped in the sixth round by the stronger champion. Reflecting on this, Khan acknowledged the difference in weight classes: “Mayweather and Pacquiao were closer to my natural weight, so those fights truly excite fighters and fans alike.”
He also praised Terence Crawford’s impressive leap in weight divisions to claim five titles, especially noting Crawford’s victory over Canelo. “Crawford’s achievement was incredible. No one anticipated he could dominate at that level. Their fights were thrilling, and the upcoming rematch promises to be another electrifying event.”
Khan’s final fight came in 2022 when he was stopped in the sixth round by fellow Brit Kell Brook. Despite Pacquiao hinting at another bout at age 47 and Mayweather announcing plans to return next year, Khan remains resolute that his fighting days are behind him.
During the WBC event, Khan shared a warm moment with France’s Souleymane Cissokho, the organization’s #2 ranked contender and a former training partner of Khan’s, whom he confidently predicted will soon become a world champion.
“I gave my all to boxing, respected every promoter and fighter, and built positive relationships along the way,” Khan said. “Now that I’ve retired, it’s time to unwind but the respect I have for this sport and those involved will always remain.”
This bold claim by Khan—that he could overcome the era’s greatest fighters—adds a fascinating layer to boxing history. Do you agree with his assessment, or do you think Mayweather and Pacquiao’s choices were justified? What does this say about the politics and matchmaking behind the scenes in professional boxing? Join the conversation and share your thoughts below!
