After years of crossed words and simmering bad blood, a grudge match between Amir Khan and Kell Brook has frustratingly failed to materialise, but 2021 may finally see that rivalry settled in the ring.
With both former world champions now 34 and firmly in the veteran stage, Bolton’s Khan has suggested that he may yet clash with Sheffield’s Brook (39-3, 27 KOs) in a fight that has lost much of its lustre, but still carries plenty of intrigue.
“I think with Kell Brook, who has always been running his mouth, I think put him in his place now,” Khan (34-5, 21 KOs) told the Khaleej Times. “I think it is about time now to put him in his place and shut him up for good.”
Despite a 17-month absence from the ring since halting an overmatched Billy Dib in four rounds in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, retirement is far from Khan’s mind. The boxing itch still remains.
“The gloves are still on. I’m thinking of fighting probably next year,” said Khan. “This year was a bit of a bad year for everybody. And boxing was off. They wanted to fight behind closed doors. I didn’t really feel like I could motivate myself, but hopefully, if it opens up next year, we can make something happen.
“I want to fight again around March or April and there are so many names out there, there are so many deals on the table, in the Middle East as well. So, let’s see how that plays out.
“I enjoy the sport, still. Honestly, I would be lost without it. I love waking up in the morning, training, running. My life is all about boxing and I’ve never really thought about retiring. It’s hard for me to walk away from it.”