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Khan cools Manny talk

Bolton youngster plays down prospect of fighting Manny Pacquiao

Last updated: 18th November 2009

Khan: No Pacquiao fight

But as for fighting him in the future, I can't really see that happening because I'm sure by the time I get to that level he will probably be calling it a day. We train in the same camp and I've got too much respect for Manny to fight him.

Amir Khan
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Amir Khan has ruled any chance of a future fight with sparring partner and pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.

Both men trainer with Freddie Roach in Los Angeles and although they are of a similar weight the Bolton fighter has ruled out stepping into the ring with the Filipino in the future.

Khan defends his WBA light-welterweight title against Dmitriy Salita in Newcastle on December 5, live on Sky Box Office.

Pacquiao battered Miguel Cotto into submission to win his WBO welterweight title and, although there is a huge gap in class right now, a possible future fight between the two has been quietly rumoured.

However, Khan has poured cold water on any talk of the two men going toe-to-toe in the future.

Training partner

"Me and Manny train together, we have the same trainer and everything. I totally respect him and what a great performance he produced at the weekend," Khan said.

"He was amazing, I was there to watch the fight and it inspires you. When you see a great champion do that and think about the fact I was training with the guy for five weeks, to pick up even a little bit of experience from that is going to help me in my career.

"But as for fighting him in the future, I can't really see that happening because I'm sure by the time I get to that level he will probably be calling it a day.

"We train in the same camp and I've got too much respect for Manny to fight him."

22-year-old Khan's promising career was in jeopardy after his stunning knockout by Breidis Prescott, but a switch to Roach's gym has reinvigorated him and he has gone on to beat Marco Antonio Barrera before grabbing Andreas Kotelnik's WBA title.

Good move

"It's the best thing I've done," Khan said of his move to America.

"I've got away from all the distractions, I'm totally focused, I get up in the morning to do my run, I go to the boxing gym to do my training and the main thing is I can have a rest in between training whereas in England, I'm always left, right and centre, doing this and that. At least now I've got a break between training."

The young Lancastrian expects a stiff test from New York-based Ukrainian Salita when he steps back into the ring at the Metro Radio Arena.

"He's a good operator," said Khan. "He's skilful, has good movement, he's quite quick. He's got handspeed and he's known as a great fighter.

"He's had 30 fights and one draw so I have to be careful in this fight, I can't make any mistakes. Freddie and I have got a game plan to go in there and beat this guy."

"I can see it being a very technical fight."