Amir Khan Reflects on His Boxing Career and Future Exhibition Bouts

Amir Khan, once one of the most electrifying fighters in British boxing, has all but ruled out a return to the professional ring. The 37-year-old former world champion, who announced his retirement in May 2022, has found peace away from the sport. However, while Khan is “90 per cent done” with boxing, he has left the door slightly ajar for one final act — an exhibition bout against either Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao. These two iconic fighters eluded Khan throughout his career, despite his best efforts to secure fights with both.

In an interview with Action Network, Khan made it clear that he has little interest in returning to full-time competition but might consider an exhibition fight. “If it happens and I’m ever going to consider doing an exhibition, then it will have to be in the next 12 months otherwise I am done from the sport,” he said. His reluctance to step back into the ring stems from a waning passion for the sport, coupled with the satisfaction he has found in his post-boxing life.

Missed Opportunities Against Mayweather and Pacquiao

During the peak of his career, Khan was frequently linked with bouts against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Both matchups had the potential to elevate his status on the global stage. In 2014-15, Khan appeared close to securing a fight with Mayweather, only for “Money” to choose to face Marcos Maidana and Andre Berto instead. Likewise, negotiations with Pacquiao reached an advanced stage in 2018 but ultimately fell through.

Reflecting on these missed opportunities, Khan spoke candidly about his admiration for Pacquiao, while also acknowledging the Filipino legend’s recent struggles in the ring. “Manny looked shit in his last fight, really bad,” Khan told Action Network. He added, “Manny won’t want to fight me, and I like him. We speak on WhatsApp.”

While Pacquiao and Mayweather have both ventured into the exhibition fight circuit, Khan remains sceptical about the likelihood of a matchup materialising, despite rumours of lucrative offers from the Middle East. “They’re looking for a big paycheck from Saudi, Qatar or Dubai but it’s going to be hard because obviously Saudi and Turki Alalshikh will never do an exhibition fight,” he explained.

Career on Pause After Retirement

Khan’s professional boxing career came to an abrupt halt in February 2022 when he was stopped by Kell Brook in a long-anticipated grudge match. Shortly after, Khan was handed a two-year ban following a positive test for the banned substance ostarine, although he maintained that he unknowingly ingested the substance. His ban is due to end in April 2024, but Khan has made it clear that a return to the professional ranks is highly unlikely.

Instead, Khan has embraced life beyond boxing. He expressed contentment with his current situation, focusing on business ventures and splitting his time between Dubai, the UK, and the United States. “I’m financially strong, going into other things like property and am living half of my time in Dubai and the UK as well as going to the States a lot,” he said. It’s clear that the fire that once drove Khan to world titles has now cooled, and his priorities have shifted to a life outside the squared circle.

Mayweather and Pacquiao: The Only Fights That Matter

Khan has been unequivocal about his motivations for a potential return to boxing, stating that only two opponents could tempt him back into the ring: Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. “The only two fighters I would make a comeback for is Floyd or Manny Pacquiao,” he said. Beyond these two legends, Khan insists he has no interest in fighting anyone else. “I won’t fight KSI,” he remarked, distancing himself from the growing trend of social media influencers stepping into the ring.

Khan’s disdain for the current exhibition trend is understandable, given his illustrious career and the level at which he competed. “I’ve done it at the highest level and don’t have the fire in my belly anymore,” he stated. For Khan, it seems that his legacy as a former world champion and one of Britain’s most recognised boxing figures is enough to satisfy his competitive desires.

Khan’s Legacy and Final Thoughts

Despite the setbacks and missed opportunities, Khan’s legacy in boxing is secure. His explosive hand speed, resilience, and willingness to fight the best have cemented his place in the sport’s history. As a junior welterweight champion, Khan earned respect for his victories and brought attention to British boxing on the international stage.

Now, as Khan contemplates the final chapter of his career, the prospect of exhibition bouts remains a distant possibility, but his comments suggest that the door may soon close for good. Whether or not Khan laces up the gloves one last time, his contributions to the sport will be remembered, even if the dream fights with Mayweather and Pacquiao never came to fruition.

Our View – Fight-Fever Analysis

The thought of Amir Khan finally sharing the ring with either Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao is tantalising, even in the form of an exhibition. While many purists might dismiss the value of such fights, the nostalgia and intrigue of seeing these greats square off, even in a less competitive setting, would still draw attention. Khan’s comments about his fading love for boxing might dampen hopes, but his desire to finish on his own terms with a marquee fight is understandable.

Fans understand that Khan’s best days are behind him, and both Mayweather and Pacquiao are also well past their prime. But in an era where exhibition fights are capturing the public’s imagination, this could be one of the more compelling matchups, at least in terms of the personalities and histories involved. If Khan does decide to step into the ring one last time, it would offer a fitting conclusion to a career defined by ambition, speed, and the pursuit of greatness.