Amir Khan might step back into the boxing ring, but he's got his sights set on only two opponents: Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather. The former world champion, who hung up his gloves in 2022, is now flirting with the idea of a comeback.
Boxers often find it hard to stay retired. The bright lights of the arena, the rush of adrenaline, and the promise of big paydays can be too tempting to resist. We've seen this play out recently with some big names in the sport.
Manny Pacquiao, at 46 years old, showed he's still got it when he fought to a majority draw against WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario Barrios. Many people thought Pacquiao did enough to win that fight. On the flip side, Mike Tyson, at 57, took on 28-year-old Jake Paul last November and lost a clear decision.
Khan's last fight was back in 2022 when he faced off against his long-time rival Kell Brook. That night didn't go well for Khan, with Brook stopping him inside six rounds. Khan called it quits a few months later.
But now, the itch to fight is back. In a recent interview with Genting Casino, Khan opened up about his comeback thoughts:
"The best time for it [a comeback] is now, your hands do get itchy. You want to get back in the ring again, but there's nothing that really excites me."
He's not interested in just any fight, though. Khan's got his eye on two legends of the sport:
"It's Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather. Pacquiao vs. Khan would do massive numbers, that would be an exciting fight. I know he's fighting Barrios and it'll put him back in the mix again for a world title."
Khan knows these fights would be huge moneymakers:
"But he knows what makes him money, and what makes him money is a fight with me, or Mayweather, the big super fights. I'll definitely take it. I'd love to share a ring with a legend like him, but I'll probably draw the line at 40 years old."
Khan's not just after the cash, though. He misses the thrill of the fight:
"If I ever do anything it has to be before 40. I'm comfortable financially, and I've got a good name, but you do miss those arenas. By 40 years old I think I'll never look at it again."
As for his potential opponents, Mayweather has been sticking to exhibition matches since his last pro fight against Conor McGregor in 2017. With a perfect 50-0 record, he's unlikely to risk that for a comeback. Pacquiao, on the other hand, seems more focused on active champions right now, but a fight with Khan could be on the cards if the money's right.
Khan's got a ticking clock on his comeback dreams. He's set a hard limit of 40 years old for any return to the ring. Will we see him lace up the gloves one more time? Only time will tell.
