link --> KHAN THANKS PACQUIAO

"Amir Khan hails Manny Pacquiao as the inspiration behind his brilliant win against Marco Antonio Barrera and admits he would "love" to return the favour by helping his training partner beat Ricky Hatton.

The 22-year-old dismantled Mexican great Barrera to record a fifth-round technical-decision victory in Manchester last night and atone for his shocking knockout defeat by Breidis Prescott in September.
Khan produced a slick, technically brilliant performance to ensure he was comfortably ahead when the fight was stopped in the fifth round because of a cut above Barrera's left eye, apparently caused by an accidental clash in the first.

The Bolton fighter was quick to acknowledge the contribution of new trainer Freddie Roach as well as sparring partner Pacquiao, who also trains under the American.

After the fight, Khan - who described the win as "easy" - said: "Barrera landed a few left hooks to the body, a few to the head and a few right hands. That's boxing - it's going to happen - but I felt so sharp and kept moving.

"It was the same way Manny beat him. He made it easy, hit him and moved, hit him and moved.

"When I was speaking to Manny he said that's the way to beat him - and that's what we did.

"I spoke to him in the changing room after the fight - he was watching it in America, and he was over the moon.

"It has paid off by listening to the right people."

With Pacquiao taking on Mancunian Hatton in May, Khan admits he has split loyalties.

However, the 2004 Olympic lightweight silver medallist is happy to return to Los Angeles to help whip his Filipino friend into shape.

"Yes, it does me good as well," said Khan.

"He's the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world - and if I can handle him and spar really well against him, then it's going to take me to the next level.

"I'd love to help him, because he's a friend. We have a good chat; we go for a run together in the mountains and stuff.

"He helps me out with some good advice, and it's good to have someone to look up to."