Manny Pacquiao vs Amir Khan? Ex-Champ Ricky Hatton Likes the Matchup

Top Rank Founder and CEO Bob Arum, Manny Pacquiao and trainer Freddie Roach talk during the official weigh in at The Venetian on November 22, 2014 in Macau. Pacquiao will defend his WBO world welterweight title against Chris Algieri in Macau. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Manny Pacquiao doesn’t have a fight lined up, but it makes sense for him to fight Briton Amir Khan, said former champion Ricky Hatton.

“It’s a good fight Amir Khan v Manny Pacquiao – a chess match,” said Hatton, per the Philippine Star. “I think they would both try and use their speed and movement to win it.

Hatton, who had titles in the junior welterweight and welterweight divisions, was knocked out by Pacquiao in 2009. Hatton retired a few years ago, but he’s now a boxing observer.

Amir Khan punches Devon Alexander during their welterweight bout Saturday, Dec. 13, 2014, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

“It’s good that Amir wants to fight the best and I believe that Pacquiao is still one of the best,” he said, adding that even though Pacquiao is basically past his prime and suffered a loss to Floyd Mayweather, he still has exciting fights ahead of him.

Pacquiao is still recovering from a shoulder injury he sustained while training for the Mayweather fight.

Regarding Mayweather, the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter announced this week he'll fight Andre Berto on Sept. 12 in Las Vegas.

“I’m ready to get back in the ring on Sept. 12 and prove again to the whole world why I’m the best ever,” Mayweather told ESPN. “I always bring my A-game, and this fight against Andre Berto is no exception. He’s a young, strong fighter who is hungry to take down the best. Forty-eight have tried before, and on Sept. 12, I’m going to make it 49.”

Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., center, talks to an unidentified woman while watching an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Phoenix Suns Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Berto is just 3-3 in his last six fights, and many view him as an easy fight for Mayweather.

On Wednesday, Khan said he’s “disappointed” Mayweather chose Berto.

“I’m disappointed not to have got the fight for what is the third time after having been one of the front-runners,” he told Sky Sports. “However, there are many big fights out there for me and I’m going to continue working hard to establish myself at the top of the welterweight division.

“Floyd Mayweather has fought the biggest names throughout his career and has earned the right to face whoever he chooses.

“I wish my stablemate Andre Berto and trainer Virgil Hunter the very best of luck in the fight. I have seen how hard Andre trains and works and know that he is ready to give Floyd a very tough night.”