Amir Khan Guarantees Kell Brook Fight, Targets Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao
After rebuilding his reputation as an elite-level fighter, Amir Khan is on the cusp of another defining spell as a professional boxer, with fights against Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather and Kell Brook in the pipeline for the Bolton-born star.
The 27-year-old was called out by Brook following an impressive display in the defence of his IBF world title against Jo Jo Dan on Saturday night and there’s demand aplenty for an all-British showdown between the two to take place at Wembley stadium.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Khan has insisted that while a fight "will happen within the next 12 months,” he has some other challenges to negotiate first, per Sky Sports (h/t BBC Sport):
"I'd love to go in the ring and fight Kell Brook. It will happen within the next 12 months but I have already given my word to an opponent and I want to be a man of my word.
After watching his [Brook's] last performance, I know I can do a deal, winner takes all. It shows it is not about the money, it is about the pride. It could be his last fight, I would give him that much of a beating.
"
Indeed, Khan seems to be within touching distance of accruing some potentially iconic bouts and has been unashamed in his ambitions to do so for a while now.
After a resounding win over Devon Alexander in his last outing, the Brit is really pushing the top names in the division. You suspect the outcome and subsequent moves made on the back of the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout on May 2 could determine a lot of decisions for the top guys in the division.
Khan has admitted that while the bout with Brook is on his radar, if he wants to take on the men at the very of top of their game, his compatriot will have to wait, per Sky Sports:
"It’s all about timing: if I’ve got a different route and I want to face the likes of the Mayweathers and Pacquiaos out there, then Kell Brook will have to wait.
We don’t want to rush this fight because it is going to be a big fight. It’s going to be a huge fight but it’s all about the timing.
"
As noted in the aforementioned piece, Khan has a clutch of potential opponents he could tackle next. Adrien Broner looks the most likely, with the American confirming on social media that the two have discussed a potential bout. The WBC middleweight champion Miguel Cotto has also been suggested, along with Keith Thurman and Chris Algieri.
Dan Rafael of ESPN.com thinks that Khan shouldn’t keep Brook waiting for a Wembley showdown, though:
It’s a fight that would be wonderful to see. Interest in the two men has not only swelled in the United Kingdom, but after classy displays in their previous two bouts, there’s a festering sense of interest around the world. With Wembley potentially providing a magnificent backdrop, it’s easy to see why there are plenty calling for the two to square off in June.
But there’s an unshakeable sense at this juncture—for Khan especially—that there is too much to lose for either man should a June date at Wembley be set.
Khan clearly fancies a shot at either Mayweather or Pacquiao and a defeat to Brook at the national stadium would shunt him back down the pecking order. A win could act as potential springboard for the former Olympic silver medalist, but as Brook showcased against Dan in earnest last time out, the Sheffield-born fighter is a very dangerous opponent.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
