British lightweight superstar Amir Khan believes Manny Pacquaio has a very good chance of beating Oscar de la Hoya despite the boxer-promoter’s six-inch reach advantage over the Filipino fighter.

Khan’s observation is backed up by first-hand experience as he traded punches with Pacquiao last Saturday (Sunday in Manila) during an eight-round sparring session at the Wild Card Gym.

"Manny's in great shape -- very explosive, very fast, you don't know where his punches are coming from. He's got a good chance to beat Oscar," said Khan in a report posted on LATimes.com.

Khan, an Olympic silver medalist with an 18-1 professional record, is a full inch taller than de la Hoya at 5’11”.

"I'm very quick, with a good jab like Oscar, and I'm taller than Manny, like Oscar," he said. "It'll make Manny think about what's coming."

Khan thinks Pacquiao’s speed can compensate for his jump from 135 pounds to de la Hoya limit of 147.

"Manny's so sharp and quick. Speed is power," he said. "Manny's got a good chin to handle what Oscar throws at him. He'll just be too explosive for Oscar, and he's a big puncher himself."

Just like Pacquiao, Khan is preparing for a fight on December 6. The British fighter is coming off a stunning first-round knockout loss to Breidis Prescott.

Roach ‘very happy’
Pacquiao’s coach Freddie Roach was pleased over Khan’s recent workout with the Filipino.

“You should see the sparring,” an amazed Roach told FightFan.com’s Ace Freeman.

Roach said the session has benefitted both fighters.

“It’s good work for Manny, and a great confidence builder for Khan,” Roach said. “His height and reach is a challenge for Manny, and Amir is such a great athlete. He’s been doing really well in the sparring.”

Roach said that with Khan, Pacquiao gets to work with a taller, quick handed fighter. On the other hand, the British boxer will surely gain some experience and confidence having been in the ring with the top pound-for-pound fighter. Dennis Gasgonia, abs-cbnNews.com