British professional boxer Amir Khan is set to make a sensational comeback to the ring on April 21, although his opposition on that night at the Echo Arena in Liverpool is yet to be finalised.
He returns to action after nearly a two-year gap since losing his fight against Canelo Alvarez in the summer of 2016.
Recently signing a deal with Matchroom Boxing, Khan is hoping for some big name clashes ahead under Eddie Hearn’s management.
However, the 31-year-old has named his top-five dream oppositions whom he would like to face before calling time on his career.
The following is the list in Khan’s order of preference:
1. Keith Thurman
2. Errol Spence Jr
3. Terence Crawford
4. Manny Pacquiao
5. Kell Brook
Speaking on Keith Thurman, Khan said: “He’s a very good fighter, but you can always work out when he’s going to throw a big bomb. You can always see it coming.”
The current unified welterweight world champion, holding the WBC and WBA titles, remains the toughest option on Khan’s list.
Thurman is yet to lose a fight in his pro career, and if he comes against the likes of Khan, could take advantage of his vulnerability in order to secure the win.
The American ace is expecting an April clash with Jessie Vargas this term.
Khan regards Errol Spence Jr highly, but is also optimistic to outclass him given his limited exposure till date since turning pro.
He stated: “He’s [Spence] strong, hits hard with both hands. You saw it when he fought Kell Brook, he was just putting a beating on him.”
Spence maybe younger than Khan, but can undoubtedly match his talent inside the ring, amassing an impressive knockout ratio in recent outings.
In discussion about Terence Crawford, the Brit sounded hopeful as he believes the former two-weight world champion has struggled since moving up to 147.
“He’s [Crawford] a brilliant fighter. I know he was very strong at 135, then he went to 140, but now at 147 is he really going to carry that weight? Not many fighters can do that.
“Manny Pacquiao carried the power when he moved up in weight, but can Terence Crawford do the same thing?” asserted Khan.
Crawford is eyeing a mandatory WBO title shot against Jeff Horn and if he comes up against Khan at some point in future, the American might hold the aces for his brilliant tactical skills and form.
Coming to Manny Pacquiao, the Brit boxer is of the opinion the Filipino legend still has some key bouts left in him.
He added: “He [Manny] still has a few fights left in him.
“To fight someone like him and to be in the same ring as someone like him would be amazing. He’s a legend in the sport already, but he still wants to keep on fighting.”
Pacquiao is in the twilight of his career, but despite the age, he could match the talent of Khan inside the ring, however, the fight might go either way at the end.
Finally, comes Kell Brook!
Brook and Khan are now under the same management of Eddie Hearn, but a fight between two giants of British boxing has been the subject of speculation in the past.
Brook has previously stated he is open for a challenge against Khan, although his compatriot did not echo the same emotions back then.
Khan said: “Let’s see how he [Brook] does in the 154 division. I know he’s got a fight coming up with [Sergey] Rabchenko. But look this is a fight maybe in the future that can happen.”
Both fighters are on the cusp of entering their final years in professional boxing and a matchup would certainly provide an enticing encounter for the boxing faithful, if and when it becomes a reality.