Boxing champ is an “inspiration”, admits Bolton boxer
AMIR Khan says Manny Pacquiao’s amazing victory over Miguel Cotto last weekend in Las Vegas has inspired him ahead of his clash with Dimitry Salita.
Khan – who like Pacquiao is trained by Freddie Roach – tackles his mandatory challenger on December 5 at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle.
The fight marks the first defence of his WBA World Light-Welterweight title that he won against Andreas Kotelnik in July.
And Khan says Roach and co are buzzing following Pacquiao’s 12th round stoppage win against Cotto, a victory which strengthens his claim to be pound-for-pound number one.
“I’ve worked with Manny for the last year or so and I have learnt so much from him,” said Khan.
“For me, he is definitely the best fighter in the world at the moment and just watching him in the gym, let alone when he is fighting, is an inspiration.
“I was ringside at the MGM Grand on Saturday, and seeing Pacquiao’s performance up close makes me want to train even harder and get to the level he is at right now.
“Cotto is a tough, tough fighter but Manny made it look easy in there. He took everything that Miguel threw at him and came back with twice as many punches.
“He’s at the very top right now and I would like to congratulate him on all that he has achieved.”
Khan is currently fine-tuning his training camp before flying back to the UK and putting the final touches to his preparations for the Salita fight.
The fight marks the first defence of his WBA World Light-Welterweight title that he won against Andreas Kotelnik in July.
And Khan says Roach and co are buzzing following Pacquiao’s 12th round stoppage win against Cotto, a victory which strengthens his claim to be pound-for-pound number one.
“I’ve worked with Manny for the last year or so and I have learnt so much from him,” said Khan.
“For me, he is definitely the best fighter in the world at the moment and just watching him in the gym, let alone when he is fighting, is an inspiration.
“I was ringside at the MGM Grand on Saturday, and seeing Pacquiao’s performance up close makes me want to train even harder and get to the level he is at right now.
“Cotto is a tough, tough fighter but Manny made it look easy in there. He took everything that Miguel threw at him and came back with twice as many punches.
“He’s at the very top right now and I would like to congratulate him on all that he has achieved.”
Khan is currently fine-tuning his training camp before flying back to the UK and putting the final touches to his preparations for the Salita fight.
