By Charles Brun: Amir ‘King’ Khan says he’s going to be back fighting against next March, and he’s targeting Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Kell Brook as potential options. The Former IBF/WBA light welterweight champion Khan (34-5, 21 KOs) is nearing the end of his career, and he wants to end it with a bang WBA 147-lb champion Pacquiao or Brook.
A fight against the 42-year-old Mayweather is a pipe dream at best for Khan, but you never know. Khan would be a TREMENDOUS upgrade for Mayweather over his last two opponents Tenshin Nasukawa and Conor McGregor. In looking at those two non-boxers, Khan is way too overqualified for the job of being an opponent for Mayweather.
Kell Brook the Plan-B option for Khan
If Khan doesn’t get Pacquiao or Mayweather to fight him, he says he’ll likely face Kell Brook. That’s a guy that Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn wants to match him against. Khan vs. Brook is a fight that has been stewing for the last six years, and it finally looks like it’s going to happen.
Khan hoping for Pacquiao or Mayweather fights
“Manny Pacquiao or [Floyd] Mayweather or someone big like that,” said Khan to IFL TV when asked who he wants to fight in 2020. “I want to be back out in March next year. A few fights we’re looking at. The Kell Brook fight.”
The timing for Khan to be returning to the ring in March is ideal for Pacquiao, who will be on leave from his senate job in the Philippines. Pacquiao is free from March to May.
The two names that have been mentioned as possible options for Pacquiao’s next fight are Mikey Garcia and Danny Garcia. Khan fits in nicely with those two. He’s arguably better known than both worldwide, and he brings a lot to the table in name recognition. Khan is better suited to the welterweight division than Mikey Garcia.
2019 not a great year for Khan
Khan had a so-so year in 2019 finishing with a 1-1 record in losing to WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford, and then beating a horribly over-matched lightweight Billy Dib.
It was difficult to imagine why Khan chose to fight an opponent two divisions below him at 135, but wins are hard to come by for the 32-year-old Amir. Despite it being a mismatch, it was a big payday for Khan in a fight that took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Khan also made a great deal of money for his title challenge of Crawford last April. Financially, 2019 was an excellent year for Khan, but obviously he would have liked to have won both fights.
“Kell Brook wants the fight, and that could be a fight for us next,” said Khan.