Khan drops Pacquiao talks as Filipino icon seeks Mayweather rematcm

Pacquiao is recovering from surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff following his defeat to Mayweather in May. He was well beaten on points by the unbeaten American in Las Vegas, but wants to fight Mayweather when he is in peak physical condition, according to media reports.

Winner of world titles in eight different weight classes, the 36-year-old Pacquiao said earlier this month that he is eyeing one final fight next year before retiring.

But it doesn't look like that contest will involve Khan, who has accused the Filipino of stalling with the prospect of a second fight with Mayweather apparently still on the cards.

"I’m really disappointed in Manny and his team,” said Khan, whose team spoke to Pacquiao's representatives in Doha last week about what would have been the Bolton fighter's biggest fight.

"They aren’t playing ball. All that was left to do is to sign the contract. But they are stalling. I have pulled out of the negotiations. I am no longer fighting Manny Pacquiao.

“I am not going to wait around for Manny like I did for Mayweather.

“I need to fight and if they don’t want to fight then that’s fine, I have other targets."

Khan could meet Danny Garcia, who knocked him out three years ago while Tim Bradley is another possibility.

“If you ask me, of course, I want a rematch," Pacquiao is quoted as saying. "I heard that he retired already. If he really retired, then there’s no rematch."

You can't really blame Khan's take on the situation if what he is claiming is true. Pacquiao probably sees more financial benefits in holding out for a rematch with Mayweather, and perhaps feels he has to prove himself after an underwhelming performance against the unbeaten American in May. Mayweather claims he retired on 49 fights unbeaten after retaining his WBC and WBA welterweight with his points victory over Andre Berto last month, but one more win would see him beat Rocky Marciano's record to bring up the 50 mark.

The question is would he risk a 50th fight against Pacquiao again? Or will he handpick another opponent like Berto to finalise his legacy? Is Khan himself out of the question? He probably doesn't need to fight Pacquiao again, but the financial gains and the credibility it would give Mayweather should not be underestimated. It all depends on how much money 'Money' sees in getting back in the ring when, like Pacquiao, there are not too many challenges left out there.