Has Amir Khan got anything left?
We are about to find out.
One of Britain’s most exciting talents this century returns to his old workplace, the boxing ring, on Saturday April 21.
The 31-year-old takes on a decent opponent, Phil Lo Greco, in Liverpool, in Khan’s first fight for Eddie Hearn, surely a story in itself.
However, for the Bolton man, he wants boxing to be the story. Oh, and with a happy ending.
Khan has not boxed in almost two years, since suffering a sickening KO at the fists of Canelo Alvarez in May 2016.
We’ve not seen him since, though he’s not been exactly quiet, having had a stint in the jungle on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and been involved in some rather public spats with his family and his wife, Faryal. The couple are expecting a baby.
But, finally, after all the headlines at the front end of the newspapers, it’s time for Khan to be featured at the back end of the papers as he prepares to face the Canadian at the Matchroom show at the Echo Arena, on Sky Sports.
The former Olympian has not won since May 2015 and has not been a world champion since 2011.
So has he anything left? Khan says there is and he’s ready to fight for world titles.
“I’ve felt great in camp,” he said. “I know that I need to be at my sharpest as I’ve been out for a while and I know that he’s going to think he can take advantage of that and upset the odds – but that’s not happening.
“Welterweight is where I want to be winning world titles at.
“The next two fights are going to be huge marquee names that make me a two-weight world champion.
“Eddie knows what I want and he’s got the plans down, I know I can win that world title this year but I cannot look past Phil, he’s coming to smash my dreams.”
Lo Greco is here to do just that and has already riled Khan with comments about his private life, though Amir’s private life in recent times has been anything but.
“He got personal at the press conference and that’s not right,” said Khan. “He’s going to pay for that.
“I wanted 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 on April 21.
“There’s pressure in every fight and I know that lose and it’s game over for getting those huge fights. I cannot make any mistake and what he’s said in the press conference has only added more fuel to the fire.”
Limited tickets remain on sale priced £40 and £80 via the Echo Arena at www.echoarena.com and on 0344 8000 400.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Matchroom/ Sky Sports
