Boxing world predicts Amir Khan vs Kell Brook

Amir Khan and Kell Brook are set to go head-to-head in an all-British domestic grudge match on Saturday.

The Bolton boxer will throw down with the Sheffield star in one of the most highly anticipated showdowns in British boxing history.

Khan, 35, goes into his grudge match against Brook as the slight underdog - despite recently employing the services of Terence Crawford's trainer Brian 'Bomac' McIntyre.

But there are some who believe he is capable of pulling off an upset in the intriguing catchweight clash, which will take place in front of a capacity crowd at Manchester Arena on February 19.

Here, GiveMeSport reels off a list of predictions from some of the biggest names in the sport.

Conor Benn

Conor Benn had backed Brook to get Khan out of there before the final bell but he can see it going the other way.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Benn, 25, said: “I think Khan, I really do, I know his chin and punch resistance are gone but I think he will outwork Brook.

“I always thought Kell but now I think Khan, we will see who has what left.”

Prediction: Khan

Boxing - Amir Khan & Kell Brook Press Conference - Exchange Hall, Manchester Central Convention Complex, Manchester, Britain - February 17, 2022 Amir Khan poses head to head with Kell Brook during the press conference Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Tony Bellew

But Tony Bellew disagrees as he says it's too hard to predict.

Bellew told DAZN: “It’s just who’s got more left, I’m going to predict the fighter who’s got the most left.

“I always thought it was going to be Kell Brook by stoppage.

“I just don’t know what Kell’s got left, and I know for a fact Amir has looked after himself better physically, that’s a fact.

“Away from camp, it’s Amir who is living the cleaner life and I think that might be the difference on the night.

“Kell’s power is definitely a big factor in the fight, but if you ask me to put money on I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Prediction: On the fence

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 17: Amir Khan faces the media during a BOXXER press conference ahead of his fight against Kell Brook at Manchester Central Convention Complex on February 17, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Frazer Clarke

Olympic heavyweight hero Frazer Clarke also chipped in with his two cents.

Speaking exclusively to GiveMeSport, he said: "I've gone Kell Brook all week, and people aren't happy with it, but it could go either way.

"This is what it's like, I feel like the timing and the power might end Khan. But then again, I might have egg on my face, Khan could outpoint him for twelve rounds.

"I'm c*** at predictions, don't ever trust my predictions, but I'm going Kell Brook."

Prediction: Brook

Terence Crawford

No surprise who Crawford is backing...

He said on Sky Sports: “Amir is ready. He has done everything that he needs to do.

“It should be a great fight.

“We, as fighters, lose sight of things that we should and shouldn’t be doing. The most important thing in the game-plan is to be himself, to stick to what is working.”

Prediction: Khan

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 17: Kell Brook faces the media during a BOXXER press conference ahead of his fight against Amir Khan at Manchester Central Convention Complex on February 17, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Carl Froch

Carl Froch believes Khan's cardio could be an issue, telling Sky Sports: “I’d rather be Kell Brook going into this because I think the speed and the reflexes that Amir Khan holds and the fast hands, he can probably only do that for three, four, five rounds.

“If this fight goes past five or six round I’d rather be Kell Brook with the natural ability, the timing, the footwork and the elegance in that ring. He’s a fantastic talent."

He added: “If I’m totally honest I want Kell Brook to win. I think at this stage, the way that this fight is happening, it’s happened a couple of years later than we’d have liked it to… I’d have made Amir Khan the favourite four or five years ago.

“Now I’m making Kell Brook the favourite, but only slightly and that’s because he can punch. He’s got a nice, powerful, tasty punch, especially at this weight.”

Prediction: Brook

Boxing - Amir Khan & Kell Brook Press Conference - Exchange Hall, Manchester Central Convention Complex, Manchester, Britain - February 17, 2022 Amir Khan during the press conference Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

George Groves

However, George Groves isn't quite so sure, as he insist it could go either way.

He said on 5 Live Boxing: “I am excited and it is just as interesting now as it would have been five years ago. They are not in their peak but it is still just as fascinating. I think it is even.

“I think, as great as Khan was, I used to make Brook the favourite but they now have more miles on the clock and have had significant spells out of the ring.”

Prediction: On the fence

Boxing - Amir Khan & Kell Brook Press Conference - Exchange Hall, Manchester Central Convention Complex, Manchester, Britain - February 17, 2022 Kell Brook during the press conference Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge

Ricky Hatton

Ricky Hatton predicts Khan 'might go into the trenches early' against Brook - which he feels 'will make for a great fight'.

Former two-weight world champion Hatton, 43, told Sky Sports: “As you get older you don’t have the same stamina or speed.

“Amir has the speed, the boxing ability, the footwork and movement to give Kell trouble. But Amir gets drawn into a fight – and that’s why we love him!

“As he gets older Amir might go into the trenches early which will make for a great fight.

“From rounds six, seven, eight and nine – Amir can get drawn in. Then it shifts into Kell’s favour.”

Prediction: On the fence

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 17: Kell Brook faces the media durin a BOXXER press conference ahead of his fight against Amir Khan at Manchester Central Convention Complex on February 17, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Eddie Hearn

Eddie Hearn, meanwhile, thankfully kept things nice and simple.

He predicted: “Kell Brook just seems fresher so my money would be on Kell Brook.”

Prediction: Brook

Natasha Jonas

On the other hand, Natasha Jonas thinks Khan has more ways of winning - but she also knows one punch is all it takes.

Jonas exclusively told GiveMeSport: "So I just believe that I can see more ways of Khan winning but, you know, in boxing it only takes one shot and Brook has that one shot.

"If people talk about performances, and the calibre of opponent that they've faced, it doesn't matter when it comes to rivalries.

"Ego and pride are all at stake so none of that stuff matters."

Prediction: Khan

Josh Taylor

Undisputed super-lightweight world champion Josh Taylor reckons Brook will eventually catch-up to the fleet-footed Khan as timing is everything.

Taylor told Sky Sports: “I think with Khan, he is fast, he is rapid, but everything is at the same speed.

"He doesn’t change up the pace, everything’s always at 100 miles per hour, and he throws lots of punches.

"Kell could possibly get accustomed to the speed and time him over five, six, seven rounds.

“Early doors, it will be Khan, maybe with a little bit of speed and stuff, but I do think Kell will get used to it and time him and hit him with a good shot.

"I think Brook by knockout I’m going to say, rounds six to eight I would say.”

Prediction: Brook

Final score

Khan: 3

Brook: 4