By Elliot Foster
AMIR KHAN blasted away Phil Lo Greco inside a minute on his return to boxing.
The former unified super-lightweight world champion was on the comeback trail after nearly two years away from the sport.
Khan, who had featured in the past, during his hiatus, on the I’m A Celebrity TV programme, was in action over 12 rounds at the ECHO Arena in Liverpool, exclusively live on Sky Sports, against Phil Lo Greco on Saturday.
But it wasn’t for the want of hanging around and getting rounds under his belt that Khan won his first fight in the UK in five years because it took the Bolton man just 39 seconds to dispatch of the Canadian visitor.
With win number 32 now under his belt, 31-year-old Khan said that he was “back” and that he would remain fighting in the UK after his past few outings have been in the States.
Lo Greco was stunned by the sheer speed of Khan’s hands and was knocked off his feet early in the round.
Khan then pounced on his man to take him out and announce that he fancies a fight against Kell Brook, who is the current WBC Silver champion at super-welterweight, which promoter Eddie Hearn said that he “liked”.
And shortly after the fight had concluded, Brook –– dapperly dressed and ready for what was to come –– was brought into the ring and he and Khan both spoke about a potential future showdown.
"I want to give the UK fans some big fights and sell out arenas and stadiums,” Khan said. "We have many fighters around, I want to fight the top guys, I want to win another world title.”
But despite Khan’s desire to win another world title, the fight with Brook is arguably the biggest out there for him.
"The weight is an issue with Kell, I'm a [welterweight] fighter. I will fight and beat Kell Brook and the world knows it.
"Brook's been living off my name for a long time. I came and signed with Matchroom, I'm the one chasing Kell.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn, who now represents both Khan and Brook after the man of the moment agreed to link up with the Matchroom head for his comeback, says that the fight will always be there.
“People ask me if Khan has still got speed but he might be even quicker than before. He will be in massive fights in the UK.
"The British public want to see Khan against Brook and I want to make it happen. They want to bash each other up.”
The plan now seems to get both fighters out in similar level outings in June or July before a deal is thrashed out for a fight towards the end of the year.
2023-10-20 21:33:58
