AMIR Khan says sparring with Manny Pacquiao has helped fine-tune his boxing skills ahead of his return to the ring.
The 21-year-old starts his comeback against Oisin Fagan at London’s ExCel arena on Saturday after suffering defeat for the first time just 54 seconds into his September fight with Breidis Prescott.
The Bolton boxer has been training in Los Angeles with new trainer Freddie Roach in the run-up to his return.
He has also sparred and gone out running in the Hollywood hills with Pacquiao who is rated the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter and has a huge fight of his own on the same night when he takes on Oscar de la Hoya in Las Vegas.
“I got loads of confidence from sparring with Manny,” Khan said.
“I got hit by some of his best shots but didn’t go down.
“I’m a better fighter now – I will never make that mistake again. I had a chat with Manny and he told me he had two losses early in his career where he got knocked out – but just look where he is now.
“What makes Manny the best is his patience. He waits for the right time to throw the combinations and I’ve also changed a lot of things in my style. Freddie has told me I need to be more patient.
“I don’t care how the fight goes as long as I win – even if it’s boring. I’m a cleverer and better fighter now after spending time in America.
“Sometimes when you get into a fight you want to please the crowd but it should be about winning.
“I’m going to forget about the crowd and all I want is a win. I don’t care if it goes 12 rounds or one round.
“You can expect a totally different Amir Khan. I will be more focussed – and I won’t be holding the chin up high.”
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