Amir Khan opens up on life as a promoter and names the two fighters he would return to the ring to face
By Jack Tanner
Copyright independent
Former world champion Amir Khan admits he is taking a gamble on becoming a promoter, stating that he is ‘happy to roll the dice’ as he stages another show in Africa.
Having relaunched his promotional career earlier this year with AK Promotions, Khan organised a card hosted in Ghana back in June.
Tomorrow night AK Promotions return to Africa, with an event in Lagos, Nigeria being shown live on DAZN.
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American cruiserweights Brandon Glanton and Marcus Browne headline the card, which involves a mixture of talents from Africa and Britain.
Speaking to BBC Sport about the upcoming card, Khan shared: “You can imagine all the hype. Everyone will have a day off and will want to come.
“Why Africa? I think it’s an untouched market.”
British fighter Dan Azeez will take on Sulaimon Adeosun, marking a special occasion for the light heavyweight as he fights in his father’s homeland.
Having won silver at the 2004 Olympic Games before going on to become a unified world champion at 140lbs, Khan has experienced the highs of boxing inside the ring.
He remains involved in the sport, but admitted he is experiencing a learning curve when it comes to promotion.
“I’m still new to the game but I want to learn quick and move quick,” he continued.
“I’m not expecting to make anything in the next couple of years as a promoter. I’m happy to roll the dice because I want to learn the trade as I go.”
Khan retired shortly after losing to domestic rival Kell Brook in February 2022, ending a professional boxing career that spanned the best part of two decades.
The return of Manny Pacquiao earlier this year and Floyd Mayweather teasing his own retirement U-turn has left Khan considering stepping back into the ring himself.
Operating in the same divisions as Pacquiao and Mayweather during the peak of his powers, Khan chased a fight with the two dominant world champions.
A bout with either man never materialised, but if the opportunity came his way to arrange a fight with Mayweather or Pacquiao, Khan said he would jump at the chance.
He added: “The only fight I’d come back for is a Manny Pacquiao or a Floyd Mayweather fight.
“I think it’s possible, especially Pacquiao, but it’s hard to say. I know he’s back in the gym and fighting again.
“If it happens, it happens. I’d love to take it.”
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