Amir Khan vs Manny Pacquiao: Former sparring partners meet to discuss potential fight

Pair met at the Fitzroy Lodge boxing club in London

Khan could instead fight Manny Pacquiao in May (Getty Images)

Amir Khan insists a fight with old friend Manny Pacquiao "can certainly happen" after meeting his former sparring partner in London on Friday.

The British welterweight trained alongside the former pound-for-pound king for several years under previous trainer Freddie Roach and always maintained they could never fight.

However, despite their relationship still being cordial, both men are now open to fighting each other and met at Fitzroy Lodge boxing club in London.

"It was great seeing Manny again as it's been a while since we last met up," he said.

"He's a good friend and we chatted about the past when we were training together, his visit to London and also a bit about the future.

"Even though we have that friendship, if it makes sense then it's a fight that can certainly happen between us. I want to fight the biggest and best names out there and Manny is definitely among them.

"Within the next few weeks, who I'm fighting should be a lot clearer. I want to give the fans the most exciting and entertaining fights in 2015 - so watch this space."

Khan and Pacquiao have both been hopeful of fighting the world's top fighter, Floyd Mayweather, without actually securing a shot with the American.

Mayweather teased Khan with false hope last year before opting for Marcos Maidana, while Filipino veteran Pacquiao has yet to nail down a mouth-watering fight with 'Money Mayweather' despite years of wrangling.

Bolton's Khan, 28, delivered arguably a career-best performance when he won a landslide decision victory over American Devon Alexander in December.

Pacquiao, 36, seems to be past his peak but remains a massive draw in the sport and he too would be happy to fight Khan.

"Yes, there's a big possibility, nothing personal, we're just doing our job in the ring," he said on Sky Sports News HQ.

"It's not difficult for us because we respect each other and we're just doing our job in the ring."

As for his hopes on fighting Mayweather, Pacquiao maintained he has done everything in his power to make the bout happen and it is now in the American's hands.

"We're waiting for the answer from them, the signed contract from them, probably next week we will know if the fight (can be) pushed through or not," he added.

PA