By Tim Royner: Amir Khan is considering retiring from boxing after 15 years as a pro. The 22-year-old Khan (34-5, 21 KOs) says he’s conflicted right now about whether he should continue or hang up his gloves, according to The Mirror.
The still blinding fast Khan has made a lot of money during his career, and he can walk away now with financial security for him and his family. Khan has a fortune of $40 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
While that’s not on the same level as fighters like Canelo Alvarez, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao, it’s still a lot of money.
Khan worried about wrecking his legacy
The former IBF/WBA light-welterweight champion and 2004 Olympic silver medalist Khan wants to see how he feels after a training camp.
Like all boxers, Khan could be looking at a lengthy delay before he fights again due to the coronavirus pandemic. It could be difficult for Khan if he still hasn’t fought by July of next year, as he’s fought sporadically since his consecutive losses to Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia in 2012.
Khan hasn’t fought since annihilating Billy Dib in a 4th round knockout last July in Saudi Arabia. It was an excellent performance by Khan, but it was against an arguably washed-up fighter from the lightweight division.
“Am I going to fight again? I don’t know. I’m debating with myself. I’m going to see how I feel after a full camp,” said Khan to The Mirror. “Even if I feel I cannot do it anymore, I can walk away knowing I’ve done everything.
“Should I fight? Financially, I’ve done very well for myself. Do I need to do one more fight which could ruin my whole legacy?”
It’s a tough decision that Khan has to make about his career. While he’s still highly talented, there are guys at 147 that might be too powerful, young, and dangerous for him.
Khan would do better if he moved back down to 140, where they don’t hit quite as hard, but that would be difficult for him to lose the weight. He’s been fighting at 147 for the last seven years since 2013, and it could prove impossible for him to make 140 at this point.
Brook fight still there for Khan
If Khan is going to retire in 2021, then he owes it to the British boxing public to fight Kell Brook before he hangs up his gloves. The fans have been waiting for Khan vs. Brook clash since 2010, and it would be a shame if the fight doesn’t happen.
It would probably hurt Khan’s legacy by him not facing Brook before retiring than it would for him to stay and around and lose to somebody. There’s a lot for Khan to gain by fighting Brook.
Not only would Khan get a massive payday, but he’d have a chance to go out on a high by beating his nemesis. A victory for Khan over Brook would allow him to quiet his critics once and for all.
