By Barry Holbrook: Amir Khan says Kell Brook has gone quiet after he called him out, and he wants him to start talks to get a fight set up between them.
Former IBF/WBA light welterweight champion Khan (34-5, 21 KOs) says he hopes Brook doesn’t price himself out of the fight because he wants to make it happen.
Khan, 34, hasn’t fought in two years since his win over Billy Dibb in 2019, and he’s been his own worst problem by not staying active.
For years, Khan had a chance to fight former IBF welterweight champion Brook (39-3, 27 KOs), but he never showed any interest until now.
Is it a coincidence that Khan has chosen to call Brook out after his fourth round knockout loss to Terence Crawford, or is this an example of him being an opportunist?
Khan wants to fight in late 2021
“I want to fight at the end of the year,” said Khan to Fighthype. “I’m working on some dates now. I started to do some training, and I want to fight.
“I’d like to fight back in the UK. It’s been a very long time since I last fought, so I’d like to finish off my last few fights as a professional.
“Brook needs to step it up and make it happen. I’m ready now. I don’t know why he’s gone quiet.
“Hopefully, he doesn’t outbid himself and say he wants more money. Look, I’m ready. I’ve never been a fighter to turn down any fight.
“I fought guys like Canelo, Crawford. I fought the biggest names in the sport of boxing.
“Do you think I’m scared of Kell Brook? Let’s make that fight happen,” said Khan.
Fans think Khan has been afraid to fight Brook for years, which is something he can’t do anything about. The perception is already there by fans, and it’s clearly too late for Khan to change that view.
The timing of Khan calling out Brook now with him having been knocked out by Crawford, Errol Spence Jr, and Gennadiy Golovkin, looks bad.
It would be better for Khan to accept the challenge made by the popular unbeaten British welterweight Conor Benn (18-0, 12 KOs).
A fight between Khan and Benn would likely bring in bigger PPV numbers than a match with the over-the-hill Brook at this point.
Moreover, Khan would be doing Benn a big favor by fighting him and giving him the chance to add a big name to his resume. Even if Benn loses, it will help his career if Khan were to fight him.