Amir Khan exclusive: 'I would definitely fight Manny Pacquiao; Mayweather deal agreed'

British boxer Amir Khan has admitted in an exclusive interview with Yahoo Maktoob that he would "definitely" fight Manny Pacquiao in the future, adding "let's get it on".

Speaking at the launch of the brand new, state-of-the-art EMD Fitness gym in Dubai, Khan also revealed that he has signed "his part of the agreement" to fight the "big boy", Floyd Mayweather Jnr, next May.

However, it was the Brit's revelation that he would step into the ring with his close friend and one-time sparring partner, Pacquiao, that will send shockwaves throughout boxing.

Khan and Pacquiao previously worked together under legendary trainer Freddie Roach until the Brit's acrimonious split from the American's Los Angeles-based Wild Card stable in 2012.

Khan had previously stated in an interview back in 2010 that he would "never" fight Pacquiao as it would cause, in his words, "too many complications".

But, having transferred to Virgil Hunter's gym in San Francisco, the 27-year-old now says he would be willing to go toe-to-toe with the Filipino icon, calling it, simply, "business."

And in a further boost to boxing fans in the Middle East, Khan also reiterated his desire to one day fight in Dubai with his ultimate ambition of helping the emirate rival Las Vegas as boxing's capital of the world.

'Come and get it, Floyd'

For now, though, Khan is focused on sealing a big-money deal to fight Mayweather in May next year, stating his belief that he has the necessary skill set to end 'Money's' hallowed 45-fight unbeaten record.

Mayweather is yet to confirm a deal is in place, although he did take to Twitter this past week to post derogatory remarks about Khan, labelling him Amir 'Con Artist'.

Khan took that insult in his stride when quizzed about it by Yahoo Maktoob, claiming Mayweather was "just promoting the fight", before telling the 36-year-old: "Come and get it.”

Mayweather is two bouts into a mega $250million six-fight deal with TV broadcasters Showtime, whose Vice President, Stephen Espinoza, confirmed over the weekend that Argentine Marcos Maidana is also an option "under consideration".

"If he wants to fight a slow handed, slow footed guy like Maidana then he's more than welcome," said a bullish Khan. "If he wants to face someone I've beaten to look good then so be it. The ball is in his court."

Gym opening

Khan's visit to Dubai coincided with the grand opening of good friend Eisa Al Dah's new gym in the emirate, which attracted a huge crowd. Khan later joked on Twitter that he took a picture with "500 plus fans".

On the gym itself, set up by the UAE's only professional boxer, Al Dah, Khan said: "It's great to have a gym like this. It keeps kids off the street and keeps them fit."

He added: "I think this is the start for building boxing in Dubai. We want to make boxing happen here. The turnout shows the passion fans have for the sport.

"I'd love to fight and train in Dubai. It's a dream of mine and hopefully it happens one day."