Khan considers retirement

[ILikeBeer]

Amir Khan expects to retire if he does not perform or "feel good" when he faces Neeraj Goyat on 12 July.

The Briton, 32, has drawn scrutiny for choosing to face India's Goyat in Saudi Arabia for a reported £7m.

Khan lost to Terence Crawford in April and has been linked with fights against British rival Kell Brook and Filipino great Manny Pacquiao.

"Let's see how I feel in this fight. If I don't feel like myself, I'll probably just call it a day," Khan said.

The former super-lightweight world champion told BBC Sport: "I want to be the one who makes that decision. I don't want to be forced to retire.

"I have achieved what I wanted to achieve in the sport, so it's now just enjoying the sport. I want to see how I feel in the fight and take it from there.

"If things didn't go the right way or I don't feel good I know myself I would hang up the gloves right away."

Khan, who will arrive in Jeddah three weeks before facing Goya, says Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will attend the fight, while a letter has been sent to invite India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Bolton-born Khan hopes he can show how sport can "bring nations together" given the acrimonious relationship. between India and Pakistan.

Since he was controversially pulled out of his contest with Crawford by his corner after receiving an accidental punch to his groin, the British Pakistani boxer has faced criticism, not least from former trainer Virgil Hunter, who said he hindered himself by not staying fit between training camps.

Khan has therefore sought a bout to take place less than three months since his defeat by the American: his quickest turnaround since 2008.

"I've had defeats before and it's how you come back," said Khan, who now has 33 wins and five defeats.

"I wanted to do it quick instead of staying out of the ring for a long time, get out of shape and then start a camp.

"After that Crawford fight, I want a nice tune-up fight to get back up to winning ways and then step it up again.

"I couldn't finish my career off with a loss like that. The more time I spent out of the ring, the more likely I would say I am going to call it a day."

Goyat, 27, is a former MMA fighter and has 11 wins, three losses and two draws in the boxing ring.

Khan hopes a win might open a route to a fight with Pacquiao, and he has not closed the door on facing Brook, who this week dispelled rumours of his own retirement by stating he hopes to take on Crawford next.

"Brook and Crawford can happen," said Khan. "I think Crawford would win quite easily. Crawford is very skilful; he's up there with one of the best I have faced.

"I don't know what Brook is doing. When we started talks, it went quiet. I can't waste time negotiating, I want to be busy now, keep fighting and if the fight comes on the table I will take it."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/48699744

[danconnollyeire]

I mean, I could perform against Goyat

[Old bones Ian]

To be honest if he earns what is being touted I don’t see why he doesn’t retire , go and enjoy it

[chinarich]

He can (and probably will) destroy Goyal but it will have no bearing on his future performance against a live contender or champion...

[Controversial]

He's just in it for the money now, I think he's finished at the top level

[cormack]

goodbye and good riddance

[TheGman]

Bet he gets dropped at least once

[SAPFO]

Putting aside our optioning of Khan & Brook, I have a question......


Based on their achievements, and willingness to fight, who would you say 'deserves' to win in Khan vs Brook??


Not who will win.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Putting aside our optioning of Khan & Brook, I have a question......


Based on their achievements, and willingness to fight, who would you say 'deserves' to win in Khan vs Brook??


Not who will win.

Simple. Khan.

[REEVE]

He should retire imo

[bigjack]

He should retire imo

Going to be tough decision to make if he's getting 7 million as stated.

[jamamb]

f@ck the serious fights, amirs earned this type of sh!t with a career loaded with top notch opposition, maybe go on some middle east/arab/whatever solidarity tour and just make bank with more fights like this

[SAPFO]

f@ck the serious fights, amirs earned this type of sh!t with a career loaded with top notch opposition, maybe go on some middle east/arab/whatever solidarity tour and just make bank with more fights like this

I agree. Whatever our options on Khan, he's had a top career win or lose. His 'big time' all started at 17 yrs old!! Remember that?


I get the feeling that vs Crawford, Khan finally admitted to himself that his time had finally past. Go on a middle eastern jolly. He's going to beat up a big Indian sports star. He'll be a god in Pakistan just for that alone.


I've enjoyed his career. Wish he'd have fought Pacman or Floyd though, every fecker else seemed to get a crack. Does Khan not sell, or was there something they saw?

I think Floyd was wary of Khan's speed, and his own real lack of elite level KO power. As crazy as it sounds, I think Khan would have done himself justice in his prime vs Floyd. Not saying he'd have won though.

Pac man would have tuned him off.

[paddy chavez]

He hasn't won a world title fight in 8 years ...8 bloody years zab Judah was the last one ...time to retire

[coneye]

Whenever i think of Khan , i tend to lump Brook into my thoughts , Khan , well i've enjoyed his carreeer , for want of a better word its been Honest , He has never been has good has his ego suggests he is , But he's tested himself and shown balls on many occasions . His outside the ring activity , has been stupid , and given me a laugh , i mean skyping himself having a wank , what sort of idiot does that in this day an age of technology , especielly a famous sports star , The guy has been and is a first class dimwit , but he's had a good boxing carreer and will not die wondering .

Brook well , just can't take to him , he was a decent European level fighter , who got nursed , babied , and looked after by Hearn , he won a world title , and only just , and refused to go up a level , EXCEPT to take a hiding for big money , unlike Khan who even though sometimes he was dillusional , he actually thought he could win when he stepped up ,, Once again the outside boxing activities were there , but in Brooks case a lot more sinister , , You don't meet strange men in a bar , and go to there house , you don't get stabbed and nearly lose a leg , by strange men , you met that night , unless theres something else behind it , suppose we can all guess what the strange goings on were , the lisp helps with that guess , , and above all the guy does'nt get caught , do we really believe the spanish cops are so bad they can't or could'nt catch the guy , whern Brook could take them to the house ,

All in all , If Khan retires tomoro , i would give him a clap , say good on ya son , now take your money , go somewhere , grow up , and stay off the internet ya wanker .

Brook retires , i'd turn my back , say good riddance , you became a millionaire because of Hearn , go thank him

[ironbeard]

Excellent post!

[jamamb]

agree, khans career has been absolutely value loaded for years. not just a good opponent here and there amidst like 40 can fights

gotta respect amirs career, have no problem at all with a guy like him taking the goyat fight, hes earned sh!T like that. should do a middle east tour

[SAPFO]

Why did he not get a crack at Floyd?

[black panther]

Putting aside our optioning of Khan & Brook, I have a question......


Based on their achievements, and willingness to fight, who would you say 'deserves' to win in Khan vs Brook??


Not who will win.

At a glance Khan’s fought 14 world champions in his career.

Brook has fought 5.

[chinarich]

f@ck the serious fights, amirs earned this type of sh!t with a career loaded with top notch opposition, maybe go on some middle east/arab/whatever solidarity tour and just make bank with more fights like this

Completely agree. He’s won world titles and an Olympic medal, boxing is the hardest of games and I would never begrudge any fighter cashing in / out. People can say what they will about Khan but he has never been reluctant to step up and face anyone...

[Ruthless-RKO]

Completely agree. He’s won world titles and an Olympic medal, boxing is the hardest of games and I would never begrudge any fighter cashing in / out. People can say what they will about Khan but he has never been reluctant to step up and face anyone...

He’s earned and worked hard for his purses. He’s a massive name in boxing today.

[SAPFO]

This thread really does show how much people have really gone off Brook.

[danconnollyeire]

Why did he not get a crack at Floyd?

I think he was coming across as so desperate, mentioning Floyd at every turn, that Floyd didn't wanna give him a payday

Floyd didn't need Khan