The eagerly anticipated super fight between WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao and former unified light-welterweight champion Amir Khan will not be happening, according to promoter Bob Arum.
Last week a match between the two was announced to reportedly take place in the United Arab Emirates on April 23.
This followed a Twitter poll carried out by Pacquiao, which asked the fans who they wanted to see him fight next.
Khan was the overwhelming winner of the poll and negotiations ensued.
Who do you want me to fight next in the UAE?
— Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) February 12, 2017
My team and I are in negotiations with Amir Khan for our next fight. Further announcement coming soon. #TeamPacquiao pic.twitter.com/nW5jpmwVJs
— Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) February 23, 2017
It appeared these negotiations had been completed, and both fighters were happy, when they took to Twitter to announce the fight would happen.
Negotiations between team Pacquiao and team Khan have come to terms for the April 23 bout as this is what the fans wanted. #PacquiaoKhan
— Manny Pacquiao (@mannypacquiao) February 26, 2017
My team an I have agreed terms with Manny Pacquiao and his team for a super fight #pacquiaokhan #April23rd
— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) February 26, 2017
However, Arum has since told the Los Angeles Times that the fight will not be happening and it was “too good to be true”.
Speaking to Lance Pugmire, the promoter said:
“When they contacted me, I told them it was pie in the sky, that this is crazy, it’s not going to happen.
“Manny wanted to roll the dice. He rolled the dice and it came up snake eyes.
“If something is too good to be true, it’s too good to be true.”
When asked about the possibility of salvaging the fight, Arum said:
“That deal is done for now.”
Pacquiao may now take on a different, as yet unnamed, opponent. Arum has sent a proposal to Pacquiao’s manager Michael Koncz and is awaiting a reply. He continued:
“Koncz will meet with Manny, and if he accepts it, we’ll go ahead. If he doesn’t, there’s nothing we can do.”
The Filipino was originally reported to be fighting Australian Jeff Horn in Brisbane on April 23, but that was scrapped when negotiations with Khan began.
It’s possible that this may now happen, with Pacquiao keen to get back into action as soon as possible.
So, the fans may want to see Pacquiao take on Khan but they will have to continue waiting for now.
Peter Reynolds, Pundit Arena
Read More About: amir khan, bob arum, international boxing, Jeff Horn, michael koncz, other sports, wbo, WBO Welterweight Champion, welterweight
