Khan ready for final chapter of his career
BOLTON ACE SAYS HEARN HAS MADE HIM FALL IN LOVE WITH BOXING AGAIN
AMIR Khan says having Eddie Hearn by his side has helped bring his love of boxing back as he enters the final chapter of his career.
The Bolton boxer returns to the ring tomorrow when he takes on Samuel Vargas in Birmingham. It is Khan’s first fight since his 39-second demolition of Phil Lo Greco in April.
Khan linked up with Hearn earlier this year, and says working alongside the promoter is helping him perform at his best as it is taking away a lot of problems outside the ring.
“This is my final chapter and Eddie has brought the love of boxing back for me. Being with a great promoter takes a lot of pressure off of me,” said Khan.
“I remember days when I would have to go through long lists of potential opponents, but now I have Eddie for half of that battle.
“He puts names to me, I put them to him and we decided on one together.
“When you are with a promoter in America you are so far away, but with Eddie it’s only a phone call or a two-hour drive. If I need anything I can get it done quickly.
“I also wanted to fight in the UK. It’s lovely to fight in America and build my fan base, but my loyalty lies in the UK and I came back here to sign with the biggest promotional company.
“I know what they can do with me, they can get me on Sky and he has all the contacts. He also has Kell Brook and can make that fight. There is a lot we both have, so that is why I think it works so well.”
Khan’s opponent Vargas heads into the fight with a record of 29 wins, three defeats and two draws, and has promised a knockout victory this weekend.
Khan hopes the Colombian sticks to his word, because he always performs at his best when his opponent comes to fight him.
“I hope he does come looking for the knockout because that’s what makes it an exciting fight. I like being in a tear up myself,” said Khan.
“Whatever he brings to the table we’ll have answers for. It was short against Lo Greco, but I never go into a fight thinking it will end that quick.
“I’m not seeing Vargas as another Lo Greco. I’m going to be facing a good fighter and I’ve trained like it’s a world title fight because I know where this fight can take me.”
A victory for Khan could potentially set up a showdown with either domestic rival Brook, or boxing legend Manny Pacquiao later this year.