Amir Khan is finally making his long-awaited comeback to the ring this Saturday in Liverpool.
The former world champion has had his fair share of personal unpleasantries during his time away from the ring but at last, we can link Khan’s name to professional boxing again without additional headlines.
And it’s been a long time coming. ‘King’ Khan has not boxed since his famous knockout loss to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez back in 2016.
Near two years on from Canelo and five years since his last fight in the UK, @amirkingkhan is back this Saturday in Liverpool! It’s fight week!!!! #BackToBusiness 💥 pic.twitter.com/1sgU3OM8zd
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) April 16, 2018
The catchweight bout at 155 pounds was considered a courageous move from Khan who challenged then WBC World middleweight champion Canelo. The risk did not pay off as Khan was viciously knocked out by Alvarez in the sixth round but Khan says he does not regret taking the fight though admits that he was desperate for a big fight at the time.
“There’s fights I’ve wanted, like for example the Floyd Mayweather fight – that was talked about for years and years, and didn’t happen. The Manny Pacquiao fight, which was talked about and didn’t happen, so you do kind of fall out of love [with boxing].
“The reason I took the ‘Canelo’ fight is because I got quite desperate,” Khan told Sky Sports.
The Bolton boxer wanted Vegas glitz and glamour but it came with a hefty price.
“I really wanted a big super fight and I wanted my name up on the Vegas strip. It’s always been my dream. The Mayweather fight got so close many times, which never seemed to happen. Should I have taken that fight? Maybe not. It was a massive opportunity for me. I don’t regret it no,” said Khan.
This week Khan’s focus is solely on his upcoming opponent from Canada, Phil Lo Greco.
I won't have any excuses on April 21st. YOU didn't give me shit, and YOU better come mentally fucking ready for this. #QueenKhan
— Phil Lo Greco (@Phil_Lo_Greco) April 9, 2018
The loudmouth Canadian already got under Khan’s skin when he made comments regarding Khan’s wife at their first press conference. A brief brawl ensued but things calmed down soon after.
Khan promises to make Lo Greco pay for his actions this Saturday in Liverpool.
“He got personal at the press conference and that’s not right – he’s going to pay for that.”
“Talk about boxing, talk about me getting KO’d or getting beat – but going into my personal life is disrespectful and that’s made me angry.”
“I want to show him who’s boss and put it on him, he needs to watch what he says. He’s an idiot and he’s going to be put in his place.”
“The fans hate him now and he’s going to be in for a hostile night from the fans in Liverpool.”
READ MORE:
Amir Khan says Errol Spence Jr is an ideal clash
Phil Lo Greco stays unapologetic – “It’s not my fault he can’t take it”