Eddie Hearn believes that one British fighter who hung up the gloves in 2022 will return to the ring soon.
Reflecting on the year, the promoter discussed a fight he had previously tried to make that finally came to fruition in February without his involvement.
The Amir Khan versus Kell Brook bout was, despite the fighters’ advancing years, an incredible spectacle for British fans. The Sky Sports Box Office event had a stellar build up and the production was worthy of a fight that had been demanded for a decade.
Unfortunately, the contest wasn’t of the same standard. It was clear quickly that Brook still had what Khan didn’t, and the Sheffield man stopped the Bolton fighter in the sixth.
Hearn highlighted the differences between the two to Sporting News, which lead him to reveal that he believes Brook isn’t done with boxing just yet.
“I was disappointed that we never got a chance to do it when they were in their heyday, but it was still a big all-British fight. I was promoting Kell Brook for so many years, chasing that fight, and ended up promoting Amir Khan at the end of his career.
It did happen too late and Amir was a shade of the fighter that he once was, but at least we got to see it and it was a good way to kickstart a year of boxing globally. With Amir, you could tell by that performance that it was definitely the right time to hang the gloves up. He got dropped by a jab in that fight and he just wasn’t the same.
You could see him even walking to the ring that he just didn’t have the confidence in his eyes that we’re used to seeing from Amir Khan. I think Kell Brook will return, though. I think he actually looked good in that fight, so he’ll be back.”
Khan announced his retirement after the bout first, and looks likely to keep that status.
Brook toyed with the idea for another fight for a little longer, with Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr both mentioned. Ultimately, he decided to call it a day too, but he has since come out to say that he’s struggling without the sport.
There would of course be domestic fights waiting for him should he reverse the decision.