Roach plans to tap Amir Khan for Pacquiao’s training vs Hatton

MANILA, Philippines – Celebrated trainer Freddie Roach would like to bring triumphant British fighter Amir Khan with him to the Wild Card Gym in LA to help train Manny Pacquiao against Ricky Hatton. Fresh from successfully mentoring Khan to a fifth-round technical decision dispatching of fading Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera, Roach said Khan could provide a good helping hand in whipping Pacquiao into shape for his May 2 showdown with International Boxing Organization (IBO) junior welter weight king Hatton. “It is definitely a possibility that Amir could spar with Manny for the Hatton fight, yeah," Roach was quoted in a report posted by UK-based Daily Star. Khan had previously sparred and trained with the 30-year-old Pinoy superstar for his previous fights, including the superfight with Oscar De la Hoya, in the process developing a strong bond and friendship. “I love using Amir because when you can handle his speed, you are sharp and can deal with anybody. He doesn’t have the exact same style as Hatton but work is work and getting sharp is part of the game," said Roach. The Hall of Fame trainer added that the chemistry between the Pac Man and Khan brings positive things to the table as well. “Amir and Manny have very similar qualities. When they work together in the gym, they are unbelievable." For his part, Khan said he would love to join Pacquiao at Wild Card Gym again - out of friendship and professional advancement. "Yes, it does me good as well," Khan was quoted in a separate report by Sporting Life. "He's the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world - and if I can handle him and spar really well against him, then it's going to take me to the next level." "I'd love to help him, because he's a friend," he added. Roach is set to rejoin the Pacquiao camp in LA this week, after spending the past week in Manchester to prepare Khan against Barrera. Initial plans call for Pacquiao to have six weeks of sparring in gearing up for the Hatton bout. Other than Khan, the other fighters considered for a sparring gig with Pacquiao have not yet been named. -GMANews.TV