The boxing world is shaking off its slumber. Talk of a potential rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao has taken everyone by surprise. Since their 2015 mega showdown, the two boxing greats have often seen their names linked to a possible sequel to what many considered a rather dull first encounter. Now, more than ever, the likelihood of a rematch between these two icons seems stronger. Reports suggest that both camps are inching closer to finalizing a deal for a Netflix bout.

But just as the narrative begins to build, Manny Pacquiao, fresh off a strong showing in his July comeback fight and eyeing a potential return in late January, has received an unexpected call-out. His former sparring partner and stablemate, Amir Khan, says that aside from Floyd Mayweather, he too deserves a fight that should have, but never, happened. On October 1, Amir Khan added yet another feather to his cap. After winning an Olympic silver medal, a world title, and facing some of the generation’s biggest names, Khan made the transition to promotion with Chaos in the Ring in Lagos. However, the Bolton-born former champion doesn’t seem content with his accomplishments. He wants one more defining moment, and he’s found an opening that appeared out of the blue.

Amir Khan wants Manny Pacquiao; no Mayweather needed

Tagging Pacquiao directly, Amir Khan tweeted, “LET’S GO @MannyPacquiao. I’m up for one final dance, but only with you as my partner.” Teasing the Filipino legend about his rumored rematch with Floyd Mayweather, Khan added, “Let’s make OUR fight that never happened. This is the ONLY one that gets me out of retirement—it’s what the fans always wanted 🤔.”

To set the record straight, not many seemed enthusiastic about the Olympic medalist’s unexpected call-out. After suffering a knockout loss to archrival Kell Brook, Khan hung up his gloves amid a doping controversy. Since then, he has become a regular at major boxing events while pursuing several business ventures, including promotion.

Manny Pacquiao, meanwhile, has been one of boxing’s biggest surprises of 2025. Amid all the hype surrounding his return, the eight-division champion shocked fans by dominating champion Mario Barrios for much of their 12-round fight.

Suddenly, the retired 46-year-old legend has become boxing’s hottest commodity once again.

The Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch story, with Amir Khan in the mix

But as anyone familiar with modern boxing history knows, when Pacquiao’s name resurfaces, Mayweather’s isn’t far behind. The 50-0 star, active on the exhibition circuit since retiring, recently made headlines when reports surfaced that he would face Iron Mike Tyson in a friendly exhibition in spring 2026.

Just as that unlikely matchup grabbed attention, news of a Pacquiao-Mayweather rematch began circulating once again.

It’s not the first time the two sides entered talks for a rematch. Pacquiao has already made it clear that he’s ready to settle the score with the American great. Despite all the hype, their record-breaking 2015 bout left many questions unanswered, and diehard fans have long awaited a second meeting.

Whether Amir Khan’s call-out materializes remains to be seen. Perhaps his confidence stems from his days sparring with Pacquiao under Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym. Though rumors once claimed Khan struggled against the PacMan, he has since denied them.

Fans will be watching closely. Pacquiao is currently focused on adding another title to his legendary resume. Perhaps after that, he’ll move on to face Mayweather, if the fight is finalized. After that, it’s anyone’s guess whether Pacquiao would entertain the idea of fighting his former sparring partner.

What do you think? Does a Pacquiao vs. Khan fight make sense at this stage of their careers?