Despite the being out of the ring for two years, Amir Khan has still stayed a relevant topic of discussion one way or another. Whether it be a television show or a headline in the media, Khan did not vanish anywhere after his knockout loss to Canelo Alvarez back in May 2016.
This Saturday he’s finally making his comeback to the ring and headlines Matchroom’s show at the Echo Arena in Liverpool. Fans caught Khan shadow boxing and showing some footwork at the open workouts during which the former world champion chatted with his supporters and took pictures with almost everybody.
He knows it’s time to get things back on track officially and get business done on Saturday.
“I feel really good. I’ve never been so chilled and calm. Last time I fought in the UK was about five years ago. Can’t wait, it’s time to shine,” Khan said to Boxing Social after his workout.
Back in business. I will fight on April 21st in Liverpool pic.twitter.com/UqgmCNwKmb
— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) January 10, 2018
His opponent Phil Lo Greco has been the most vocal of the two. The Canadian made remarks about Khan’s wife in their previous press conference which caused Khan to retaliate by throwing water at his opponent. There’s another press conference on Thursday but Khan isn’t expecting additional drama this time around.
“I had to cool him down a bit so I threw water at him. This time he can say what he wants because it’s fight week anyway. I’ll let him say what he wants. On Saturday it’s gonna be me and him alone in the ring anyway. I’m not going to be bothered about what he’s going to say,” Khan said.
Lo Greco has been actively jabbing Khan on social media and during interviews as well.
“He’s gonna try to get under my skin? I’m too professional for that now. I’m too old for that. I’m not a kid anymore when I used to make mistakes and get wound up over things people said. I’m just gonna stay nice and calm and let my fists do the talking on Saturday,” told Khan.
One of the big questions surrounding Khan is the element of ring rust. Though the former Olympian has been staying active and is not worried about the long lay off. Khan is confident he still has what it takes.
“I’ve been working hard. Been doing a lot of rounds of sparring, keeping myself busy. Different sparring partners have come through the ring with similar styles to Lo Greco and showing me new things. I’ve been adapting quick. I know I’ve still got it. I feel sharp. I just can’t wait to get into the ring.
“Them two years, I know I didn’t fight much but I was always in the gym training. I was always keeping myself busy. I’ve not lost much
As for Lo Greco? Khan doesn’t see him causing any problems.
“He’s not on my level. After the fight people are going to be like ‘he was never on Amir’s level, he shouldn’t have been in the same ring.'”