Pacquiao says Khan is an option for 2020 title defense — in Dubai

After fighting overseas for two years, welterweight world titleholder Manny Pacquiao returned to the United States for both of his bouts in 2019.

However, the eight-division world champion is pondering another fight abroad.

Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KO’s), of the Philippines, who will turn 40 on Dec. 17, is open to facing former junior welterweight titlist and 2004 Olympic silver medalist Amir Khan in Dubai.

Pacquiao captured the WBA “Regular” title with a lopsided unanimous decision against Adrien Broner in January and lifted the “Super” title from previously unbeaten Keith Thurman in July by split decision.

“I’m planning for next year; trying to make it for next year with a possible opponent. Especially Amir Khan wants to fight me. We will talk again. It would be a good fight," Pacquiao told The National.

Khan has been pursuing Pacquiao for several years. In 2017, the two boxers had a deal to fight each other in the Middle East, but the financial backers pulled out of the event Moreover, Khan falsely claimed earlier this year that a deal was finalized for him to fight Pacquiao on November 8 in Saudi Arabia.

Khan (34-5, 21 KO’s), 32, of the United Kingdom, is coming off a fourth-round stoppage of former 130-pound world champion Billy Dib in a welterweight contest. The outspoken Khan was also stopped himself in April when he unsuccessfully challenged WBO titlist Terence Crawford for his belt. The Brit was unable to continue after a low blow in the sixth round.

“We can discuss that, a fight between us. I have a commitment for my next fight - one fight only. But after that we can talk. No problem," Pacquiao said.