Amir Khan decides to split with trainer Freddie Roach

Amir Khan is mixing up his corner after his second straight loss. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

LAS VEGAS -- It appears the working relationship between former junior welterweight champion Amir Khan and Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach is about to be over. In the aftermath of July's knockout loss to Danny Garcia -- Khan’s second consecutive defeat -- Khan said he would consider replacing Roach in his corner. On Tuesday, Roach said that members of Khan’s team told him the fighter would stay with him only if he agreed to drop Manny Pacquiao and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

“They said ‘Make Amir No. 1, get rid of Manny and Chavez and he will still come back to me,” Roach said. “I said I can’t do that. It’s simple.”

Roach said Khan’s team made the offer twice, first in a face-to-face meeting between Roach and Khan’s manager, Asif Vali and later in a phone call between Roach and Khan’s father, Shah.

Roach says he has no hard feelings for Khan.

“I’m a busy person,” Roach said. “I’ve been with Manny for a long time. Manny is my guy. Someone has to take the blame and it’s usually the trainer. I’ve been fired before and it won’t be the last time. I like Amir. I wish him the best. They better keep him away from punchers.”

-- Chris Mannix