Amir Khan has been more bridesmaid than bride the past 3-4 years. He’s been left out of 3 Mayweather fights and most recently was eliminated as a candidate for the Pacquiao return bout. This latest slight looks to be the one that allowed Khan to see the light because he’s now open to challenging Kell Brook for the IBF world title.
Brook’s camp has been given a mandatory opponent for this spring but they know that a Khan fight is their true test in 2016.
“The IBF have ordered us to fight Bizier. We had an agreement to fight Chaves but if the fight’s not for the IBF world title then the agreement is void,” says Eddie Hearn.
“We’re pushing forward for the Amir Khan fight and we expect it to happen at the end of May or early June. In the meantime, if we have to deal with the mandatory then it’s likely we’ll travel to America to do it because it’s more appealing there than here.”
“Bizier has lost to Jo Jo Dan. He’s a decent fighter but it’s not the easiest to sell and we need to prepare for the Khan fight, which is what we’re heading towards. It’s all feet to the pedal on that – especially after him saying he hasn’t got the Manny Pacquiao fight and will fight Kell Brook.”
When asked of the true probability of finalizing a Khan-Brook fight in the U.K. Hearn was very open.
“We’re speaking to their team and I believe the fight will happen. It’s the biggest fight out there for both of them. It’s common sense and I believe common sense will prevail.”