Ahead of Amir Khan's long awaited return to the boxing ring this weekend, the former world champion admitted to reporters that he became 'desperate' for a boxing super-fight in order to put his name in the prestigious boxing hall of fame. 

On May 7, 2016, Khan famously took on the feared Mexican Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in a fight which reeled in a massive audience from boxing fans across the world. 

Canelo, who has only lost one fight in his whole career, is one of boxing's biggest names - the type of  boxer Khan knew he had to take on if he wanted to prolong his career and become a real legend in the sport.

This fight was highly anticipated, and those hopeful for the Brit were soon left covering their eyes after an efficient and brutal display from Alvarez saw a fifth round knockout, leaving Khan completely blown away.

Many praised Khan's guts to take the fight, but admitted they were not surprised that it was the Mexican who left the ring with a resounding victory. 

Speaking before his return on Saturday in Liverpool, Khan said: "The reason I took the 'Canelo' fight is because I got quite desperate.''

"I really wanted a big super fight and I wanted my name up on the Vegas strip. It's always been my dream.'

"There's fights I've wanted, like for example the Floyd Mayweather fight - that was talked about for years and years, and didn't happen.

"The Manny Pacquiao fight, which was talked about and didn't happen, so you do kind of fall out of love [with boxing]."

Khan riskily put on weight and moved up two divisions to the middleweight class for this fight, but after, admitted that taking such a big fight may not have been the best idea at the time, though admitting he has absolutely no regrets.

"Should I have taken that fight? Maybe not. It was a massive opportunity for me. I don't regret it no.'

"If I never took that fight I would have always thought 'what would have happened?' He beat me that night. He was the better fighter that night.''

This brutal knockout on Khan seemed to have a negative impact on his career, as he took a break from the sport after nursing a serious hand injury, and to fill this time, he famously appeared on TV favourite 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here', where he finished fifth.

But, after this stint in the Jungle, Khan claimed his time on the show has only made him stronger.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Khan said: "Going in that jungle and seeing the love I’ve got from the British public has given me another life in the boxing ring. People want to see me do well in the ring.

"Now I’ve got a lot more people rooting for me. It’s all about getting back to winning ways and doing it not just for myself but for all the people who are now behind me."

Many boxing fans over the world will be sure to tune in on Saturday, as Khan makes his long-awaited return to the ring, facing American Phil Lo Groco in a fight which is vital for the former champion to get his career back on track.