‘Tea party’ is over as Khan gets ready to face Lo Greco

Amir Khan will take on Phil Lo Greco when he makes his highly-anticipated ring return after almost two years out of action on 21 April at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.

The bout marks the start of Khan’s three-fight deal with promoters Matchroom Boxing and the first since his savage knockout defeat by then WBC middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in May 2016.

Khan will step down in weight when he faces Lo Greco in a showdown that has been made just above the welterweight threshold at 149lbs, with a maximum of 150lbs.

Lo Greco has won 28 of his 31 professional contests and has shared the ring with current IBF champion Errol Spence Jr and former beltholder Shawn Porter, both of whom defeated the Canadian.

Khan, 31, said: “I can’t wait to get back into the ring. Phil Lo Greco will be coming with everything to win this fight and I’m not going to give him an inch.

“He’s an aggressive fighter who is always looking to press the fight and come forward. That makes for a very exciting and actionpacked fight for the fans.

“I respect him as a fighter and know he will be coming with big ambitions but I’m going to put on a great performance and prove to the boxing world that the ‘King’ is well and truly back.”

Lo Greco, two years Khan’s senior, has already commenced the mind games with the Briton, who has a record of 31 wins and four defeats in the paid ranks, with three of those losses coming via stoppage.

Lo Greco said: “I’m happy Amir decided to yank up his skirt and end his longgoing tea party. It was time he manned up. I’ve got a full training camp this time around, there will be no room for error. Amir Khan will be knocked out.

“I’ve noticed Amir loves going more to Dubai, so I’ll send him to Du-bai, and he’ll go bub-bye, #AMIRGONE. Boxing teaches us, history repeats itself. Once you’re knocked out cold, it only gets worse.”