Amir Khan has "a great chance" of dethroning Manny Pacquiao to become the WBO welterweight champion when the pair meet in April, says Oscar De La Hoya.

Khan's (31-4) long-desired bout came to fruition after he topped a Twitter poll Pacquiao (59-6-2) ran to see who fans wanted his next opponent to be.

The Filipino said at the time the fight would be in the United Arab Emirates, but no venue has been officially announced, with the UK and USA also under consideration.

De La Hoya, who held titles in six different divisions before bringing down the curtain on his decorated career in 2009, believes Khan has the requisite ability to take the belt Pacquiao won against Jessie Vargas in November.

He told Omnisport: "I give Amir Khan a great chance. I've always believed in Amir Khan.

"Amir Khan is one of the best fighters on the planet. He has speed, he has power. I just think that this fight would be a great one.

"Amir Khan is young, so who knows what might happen in that fight. I wish him all the best."