Manny Pacquiao & Amir Khan Hold Discussions About Possible Fight Photo by:  Dan Istitene/Getty Images) –

Koncz has also confirmed that a Pacquiao-Khan deal was reached, despite an earlier announcement by promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank that the Filipino’s next bout would be against Australia’s Jeff Horn in Brisbane.

The announcement of the date adds further intrigue. April 23 falls on a Sunday. For a fight to appeal to the mass pay-per-view television markets of the United States, a fight in the UAE would most likely have to take place at around 7am or 8am in the morning, and on a Sunday, which is a work day in the country.

According to Arum, a group in the Middle East has offered a huge sum of $38 million to bring Pacquiao-Khan to UAE – an offer which caused a potential deal against Horn to fall apart.

Khan has been out of the ring since May of 2016, when he moved up to a catch-weight of 155-pounds to challenge Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. He was knocked out in six rounds.

Pacquiao continues to be trained by Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach, who previously trained Khan for several years. Khan left Roach in 2012 and is now under the tutelage of Virgil Hunter.

www.boxingscene.com/pacquiao-vs-khan-on-april-23-fighters-announce-deal-reached–113992