Freddie Roach watches Manny Pacquiao in training (Photo : Twitter)
With Bolton's Amir "King" Khan (31-3, 19 KO's) rumored to have signed a done deal to fight former training partner and stablemate, eight-division world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KO's), the news has fans excited for a possible kayo party at the hands of the Filipino ring icon.
To boxing fans the world over, Khan's glass chin is no secret and will be on full display against Pacquiao who is one of the hardest punchers in boxing.
Pacquiao hasn't scored a knockout in nearly six years, since stopping Miguel Cotto in 2009, but against Khan, a knockout is more than a possibility -- it's almost guaranteed.
To give credit, Khan is quick and agile, and has the skills to move well, box and counter as good as anybody.
But it just seems like his chin is a real obstacle. All that's needed is a mere clip on Khan's chin and his legs go out from underneath him.
Now, Pacquiao isn't exactly spring chicken. At 36 years of age, the Filipino congressman aspiring for the senate has been in more wars than the younger Englishman, and is also a little shopworn.
Noticeably slower and less active in the ring, the fire with which Pacquiao operated in his younger years is all but extinguished.
His last fight was a memorable one, but for all the wrong reasons. Longtime nemesis, Floyd Mayweather Jr. not only outpointed him to a 12 round decision, he embarrassed him with a one-sided domination.
To make matters worse, Pacquiao complained of a shoulder injury and attributed his degraded performance to the ailment -- which made it appear as though he was simply making excuses.
Bum shoulder or not, Pacquiao's performance in the Mayweather fight left a bad taste in the mouth for diehard boxing fans and casual fans alike. As a result, Pacquiao's stock took a huge hit.
It's also come to light that Pacquiao has stated that his next fight will be his last.
Pacquiao plans to kick his political career into full gear and aims for a seat at the senate, where he says he can better serve his people.
Being a congressman is less demanding than being a senator, which is why he was able to balance it with his boxing career, but if and when he wins a seat at the senate it's a whole different ballgame.
He plans to go into it full time which would spell the end of his career as a professional prizefighter after 20 years.
Two other fighters -- Terence Crawford and Timothy Bradley (if he gets past Brandon Rios this Saturday) -- are also in the running to face Pacquiao in his last hurrah, but Khan is the biggest money fight at this point.
It's also the most exciting by far.
If Pacquiao and Khan indeed sign to dance in 2016, it will be an absolute spectacle, with Pacquiao most likely ending his career with a bang.
