Amir Khan v Kell Brook - Finally

Amir Khan fight against bitter rival Kell Brook finally confirmed for February 19 in Manchester in huge clash.

AMIR KHAN and Kell Brook were pulled apart at their first public meeting ahead of their grudge bout.

The warring welterweights - with a combined age of 69 - came face-to-face in Mayfair for the first press conference to hype their February 19 clash.

Bolton’s 34-year-old golden boy will take on his Sheffield counterpart, 35, in a long overdue retirement showdown on neutral ground in Manchester.

And, as soon as they were introduced and forced to pose for photos, they went nose-to-nose, butted heads and were pulled apart by security.

Brook: “This has been going on for 17 years and even the negotiations have been unbelievably hard work but we have finally got it over the line.

“I am sick of people asking men when it is happening and now we have a date. February 19 will be when Amir Khan hits the deck for the final time.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/...8695.jpg?w=620

“We have always been predicted to fight each other but he has always veered off and not given me respect, he has never acknowledged me and always ran away.

“Now he has nowhere else to run, this is the biggest money fight out there for him so that is why he wants it now.

“He is in cuckoo land and believes he is a celebrity in the jungle. He is getting knocked spark out. I will retire him.”

Khan hit back with: “I respect him because he has fought the big names but I have never been scared of anyone.

“In the last 10 years I have lost to two of the best p4p fighters out there.

“I have never run from Kell, in the past I didn't think he deserved it but now I am ready to put him in his place. Now we will see how he backs the words up.

“I am coming levels down for this fight, I have thought the best and conquered America but people want to see me punch him in the face.

“It is my time now to put him in his place. He goes on about my celebrity life but my boxing skills and achievements got me there, he is so bitter about that.”

Former IBF welterweight champ Brook - arguably one of Britain’s most talented fighters of this era who has failed to fulfil his true potential - suffered career-threatening facial fractures in losses to Gennady Golovkin and Errol Spence in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

And the down-to-earth Steel City ace was pummelled to his third career loss last year when Terence Crawford completely overwhelmed him.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/...TOTT.jpg?w=620

Khan was also stopped by Crawford in 2019, after he had successfully rebuilt following the chilling knockout loss to Canelo Alvarez in 2016.

You have to go back to 2015 for the last meaningful victory for either man.

But their legacies and reputations could be determined by this last swansong.


https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/16882...19-manchester/

Everyone knows it’s way too late.
Everyone knows they’re only doing it for the dough.
Everyone knows neither fights ever again , win or lose.
Everyone knows they’re a pair of wankers.
No doubt it’s an intriguing fight. And I will be interested in knowing who wins. And I will watch it………….either next day or whenever I can get it on YouTube. I will not pay one penny towards their retirement fund.
My problem is that these guys have earned very good money in their career, and probably deservedly so. So why do we have to fund their lives because they haven’t maybe made the right financial decisions.
And if they’re not skint, why should they earn over the odds of what they’re worth?
I believe that fights like this take the piss out of the sport.

Couldn't agree more with Primo. Won't get a penny from me either.

Obviously these are your countrymen, so your take on it is probably pretty much representative of how the rest feel.

I on the other hand, wouldn't mind seeing that scrap (not having to pay for it, of course). I disagree that fights like this "take the piss out of the sport."

Exhibition matches like the paunchy RJJ fighting anyone... or professional boxers fighting MMA stars or YouTubers.... THAT takes the piss out of the sport.

This is a true grudge match.

Waaayyy too late... as was the case with Floyd-Pac... but a grudge match just the same.

We had the same thing over here with Juan Manuel Lopez and Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., although admittedly I had no interest in watching that one.

It has no bearing on the rankings or anything... but it's still a battle between two guys with no love lost on either side.

Makes for good fireworks. ;D

Besides... I'd love for Khan to be flattened by Brook. :)

It’s the fact they’ve gone box office for me. They are irrelevant fighters now and as Primo says where does the winner go. Nowhere because they aren’t interested in fighting beyond this just a cash grab.

If I can get it on a stream I will watch for sure but won’t be contributing.

Yeah, this shouldn't be PPV. That would be disrespectful for boxing fans. They're gonna make some money off the fight anyway... so just televise it for free.

I hope Kell knocks out Khan because Amir is the one who avoided Brook and acted the bigger diva.

Khan wanted Floyd or Manny and chased that fight. Kell moved on and went to US to win the title.

Both made crazy fights against much bigger opponents and got stopped.

Both got stopped by Crawford.

Double knockout would be fun too.

Imagine that Floyd Mayweather had a son that was hugely more unsuccessful then he.

Imagine that Manny Pacquiao had a son then was hugely more unsuccessful then he.


I feel my point has been made.


I salute you all my friends. We will all share the disappointments together.

https://media4.giphy.com/media/AsHHa...giphy.gif&ct=g

The whole crowd and ref better have goggles and protective gear cos there's gonna be shards of glass flying everywhere.

The fight should be titled "Eye VS Chin"

They may as well have a joint header with Lewis v Bowe. What pathetic cash out for the mugs to buy.

This fight should have happened after Brook beat Porter. Now it's a fight for the casuals.

I guess Amir's following Floyd's business model : Save your biggest fight for the end of your career. Too bad nobody cares.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Primo Carnera

Everyone knows it’s way too late.
Everyone knows they’re only doing it for the dough.
Everyone knows neither fights ever again , win or lose.
Everyone knows they’re a pair of wankers.
No doubt it’s an intriguing fight. And I will be interested in knowing who wins. And I will watch it………….either next day or whenever I can get it on YouTube. I will not pay one penny towards their retirement fund.
My problem is that these guys have earned very good money in their career, and probably deservedly so. So why do we have to fund their lives because they haven’t maybe made the right financial decisions.
And if they’re not skint, why should they earn over the odds of what they’re worth?
I believe that fights like this take the piss out of the sport.

---

This.

except this: I believe that fights like this take the piss out of the sport.


Nothing will keep us diehard fans away. And casual fans find stuff like this- exciting.

To be clear... nobody's claiming this is worth anything in the grand scheme of boxing rankings. Nothing.

But it's two "past their prime" guys with a genuine dislike for each other and something to prove.

Again... I wouldn't pay for it. But I guarantee (like always happens with boxing fans) that many that are swearing off the fight right now will be secretly watching at the opening bell. ;)





What I won't watch is Jake Paul fight anybody. ;)

Trying to stay positive during the holidays. Hope it's a good fight for anyone watching. And that the ghost of Kell smashes the ghost of Khan ;D

At least it's two used up 'names' canceling one another out and not some gimmick matter of time match like ohhh v a Canelo or Golovkin respectfully. We fall for a lot of shiny objects and hoodwink as boxing fans but this seems an obvious case of two at/beyond the sunset guys knowing to stay in their lanes and be happy to make some loose change.

Khan taunts Brook in tense 'Gloves Are Off'

Amir Khan branded Kell Brook as 'scared' and 'empty inside' as their bitter rivalry was reignited during angry exchanges while filming 'The Gloves Are Off.'

The British duo have announced their grudge fight will finally take place at AO Arena in Manchester on February 19, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Khan and Brook were hauled apart by security at a bad-tempered press conference and then went face-to-face again during an intense edition of 'The Gloves Are Off' with Johnny Nelson.

In an exclusive clip from the show, Khan told Brook: "I can see right through you.

"You're scared and empty inside."

Brook had earlier suggested that Khan was to blame for the lengthy wait for their fight to be finalised.

"He's always veered off, never given me respect, never acknowledged me," he said at their first press conference.

https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/...=f&x=514&y=106

"He has said: 'Win a world title then I will fight you, fight this guy then I will fight you'.

"He has run away.

"It has got to a part of his career where there is nowhere else for him to run.

"I have wanted it for many years."

Khan hit back at Brook by saying: "In the past 10 years I have fought two of the best pound-for-pound best fighters.

"I have never run from Kell. I have never needed to.

"What I have achieved speaks for itself.

"There is no point crying about the past. In the past he hasn't deserved this fight.

"Come February 19 it will be time to see if he can back those words up."

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...cid=entnewsntp

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Master

Khan taunts Brook in tense 'Gloves Are Off'

Amir Khan branded Kell Brook as 'scared' and 'empty inside' as their bitter rivalry was reignited during angry exchanges while filming 'The Gloves Are Off.'

The British duo have announced their grudge fight will finally take place at AO Arena in Manchester on February 19, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Khan and Brook were hauled apart by security at a bad-tempered press conference and then went face-to-face again during an intense edition of 'The Gloves Are Off' with Johnny Nelson.

In an exclusive clip from the show, Khan told Brook: "I can see right through you.

"You're scared and empty inside."

Brook had earlier suggested that Khan was to blame for the lengthy wait for their fight to be finalised.

"He's always veered off, never given me respect, never acknowledged me," he said at their first press conference.

https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/...=f&x=514&y=106

"He has said: 'Win a world title then I will fight you, fight this guy then I will fight you'.

"He has run away.

"It has got to a part of his career where there is nowhere else for him to run.

"I have wanted it for many years."

Khan hit back at Brook by saying: "In the past 10 years I have fought two of the best pound-for-pound best fighters.

"I have never run from Kell. I have never needed to.

"What I have achieved speaks for itself.

"There is no point crying about the past. In the past he hasn't deserved this fight.

"Come February 19 it will be time to see if he can back those words up."

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...cid=entnewsntp

---

Sorry Guys,

Italian SAS fight 'who cares who wins' youtube entertainment but no PPV bonanza

Conor Benn recalls Amir Khan conversation that led to fight rejection

Benn has expressed his desire to face Khan or Brook after their grudge fight next year, but Khan has already told the young star it is unlikely as he plans to hang up his gloves

Conor Benn has spoken to Amir Khan about a potential domestic showdown which he rejected by explaining his retirement plans.

The 25-year-old cruised through the latest step of his sensational rise with a brutal KO victory over Chris Algieri earlier this month.

He is now looking for his next opponent and has called out the winner of Khan's hotly-anticipated showdown with Kell Brook.

Benn has admitted he spoke to Khan about staging a potential clash next year but would also welcome a match-up with Brook.

"Amir Khan don’t want it. No chance he will want it, there’d be no way," Benn told World Boxing News. "I’ve spoken to him about it.

"He’s retiring after the (Brook) fight. Kell Brook, I’d take the fight all day long. I’d fight either of them, but I’ve got more of a chance to fight Jake Paul, It’s one of them situations — why would they want to fight me?

"It’s a 50-50 fight, it’s 10 years too late, but it’s still a 50-50 fight. Khan’s chin is very vulnerable. There’s no secret there. But Kell Brook has had both his eye (sockets) fractured, so it’s like who’s got what left.

"But I’m tipping Brook. More durable. I don’t think Khan has the power like Gennadiy Golovkin or Spence to break his eye socket. Hopefully, Brook comes through and then he can get the smoke. He can get the Benn smoke.”

Benn is looking to progress further on to a world-title shot next year after having a successful 2021 where he also picked up victories against Adrian Granados and Sebastien Formella.

Any potential fight with the winner could take place later next year with Brook and Khan set to face-off in Manchester on February 19.

They will finally settle their rivalry after a long wait for British fans, with the pair having plotted to face each other for over five years.

It will take place at a catchweight of 149lbs with both men set to pay a six-figure fine for missing the limit next year.

Meanwhile Benn will look to face another significant opponent early next year with Adrien Broner currently in pole position.

Despite Broner's recent decline, the Briton believes a meeting would still be a blockbuster clash and great experience to continue his rise to world-level.

“I’d like to fight Adrien Broner,” Benn continued. “I know he’s not the Broner he once was but it’s a good name on my resume.

“It would get a lot of hype, of course, but it would also present a different style to the one I fought before. He’s a massive name, so if you look at it from a marketing perspective, great fight. I don’t even need to talk financials. He’s a massive name over there (in the United States) and over here (in the United Kingdom).

“There’d be some build-up before the fight. It would sell out wherever it is. And you anyone who has achieved four world titles in different weight divisions, you got to put them up there as idols, so I’d love to share the ring with him.”

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/boxin...-news-25800011

Amir Khan says he will retire after Kell Brook fight in February



Amir Khan told fans he will retire from boxing after one last dance with Kell Brook during an Instagram livestream yesterday.

The Bolton boxer is finally set to face his Sheffield rival in a long-awaited grudge match at the AO Arena in Manchester on February 19.

Khan went live on Instagram to give an update on his training camp to his 1.4 million followers.

But when asked about his plans for the future, the 35-year-old revealed he will hang up his gloves regardless of the result.

As he read comments from the stream, Khan said: "I leave it to God to decide which round I knock Kell Brook out.

"I am going to win the fight 100 per cent.

"People ask me what I'm doing after this fight. I'm done, man."

ESPN posted the quotes on Twitter late last night, which prompted a flurry of replies from fans who were quick to share their reactions to his comments.

One wrote: "He should have been done a long time ago."

Another added: "They have to try to hype up this fight as much as they can, but both are damaged goods at this point."

A third commented: "Damn, got the ticket sales and bounced, not even teasing the chance of a Conor Benn fight for the PPV sales lol."

Khan, 35, has travelled over 5,400 miles to train in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado Springs, recently teaming up with Terence Crawford's trainer Brian 'Bomac' McIntyre, to get ready for his showdown with the Special One.

Describing the extreme training conditions, Khan told Sky Sports: "It's a massive shock to the system.

"Not only a shock to the system when it comes down to the temperature but a shock to the system because of the altitude as well so it makes it even harder.

"Overall, training is going really well. I feel fit, I feel sharp, and all the conditioning is on point.

"You know, we all have injuries, all the sportsmen and women. When you're at the elite level, we always have to overcome those pains, and you have to override them.

"Yeah, I have pains, I've got injuries when I'm in training. I've just sparred today and I still have to overcome those injuries because I can't think of them, I just have to get on with my job, my job is just to be ready for February 19.

"Obviously, the aches and pains are there, I'm getting older as well, sometimes you don't recover as quick. I am 35 now, I'm not like when I was 25 where I would recover after a tough session, now the body takes a bit of time.

"But it's good because I know that if I can keep on pushing myself with those pains, with those aches and tightness, then I'll be fine come fight night because I'll be nice and recovered and fresh as well."

February's fight card features Frazer Clarke's professional debut and the return of Adam Azim and Hassan Azim.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...cid=entnewsntp

But remember they're not doing this to milk it and get a pension pay day.

They're doing it for the fans and to give boxing something back

Whenever a fighter knows they are in their last fight, they try and convince themelves that its the last time they have to go to training camp, the last time they have to diet, and the last time they have to get punched in the face, and they tell themself that means they will train even harder and dedicate themself even more for their 'last great hurrah'

It doesnt work like that because there are no consequences for losing, their career is not at stake and they are not propelled by fear. They cut the extra 1% of effort and they wont leave it all in the ring on the night.

Ordinarily, i would say that Kham loses the fight and Brook is even more of s favourite now. But Kell knows its his last fight too, he just hasnt said so yet.

Kell Brook confirms rematch clause in grudge bout with bitter rival Amir Khan


Kell Brook has confirmed a rematch clause in the agreement for next month’s grudge bout with bitter rival Amir Khan

Brook and Khan will finally meet in Manchester on February 19, after a career’s worth of dancing around each other amid growing enmity.

The 35-year-old fighters had both harboured thoughts of retirement after this showdown, but any such plans could now be on hold.

Former IBF welterweight champion Brook insisted nothing will settle his feud with Khan, with the pair holding bitter resentment against each other.

Asked about a rematch clause, Brook replied: “I’ll be honest with you, I leave it all to my manager and my team. All I’m interested in is this fight.

“But I do know that there’s going to be a rematch in that. So if Amir Khan wants another beat down, he can have one!”

Asked if a defeat would make him consider his future in boxing, Sheffield fighter Brook continued: “I think some things I said before were taken out of context. A fighter who’s used to winning never has losing in their mind. I don’t think for a second about losing this fight.

“Every single day I’m growing in confidence, what my coach is saying, how I’m looking. Everyone in my camp, they can feel the buzz, the excitement, the body taking shape, my fitness is coming.

“The sharpness, the speed, the accuracy, it’s all coming. I’m not thinking about retirement, I’m thinking about Amir Khan on February 19. I’ve got my mojo back again and I’m really enjoying training; it’s brutal, but I’m loving it.”

Former WBA and IBF light-welterweight champ Khan has not fought since July 2019, while Brook lost to Terence Crawford in November 2020. Brook remains determined to prove himself the superior boxer, insisting he and Khan will never settle their differences.

Brook said: “It’s all animosity on my side and I think it is the same from him. There’s no love lost, we don’t like each other. This isn’t just hype, this is as real as it comes.

“I don’t like him, he doesn’t like me. And I want to punch him hard. He’s never given me any respect, or acknowledged me as a great fighter. I’ve always acknowledged him; I think he’s done great in his career and I’ve never dissed him in that way.

“There’s genuine dislike, I just don’t like his face basically. He puts things out in the media and he puts it all on me. We both know it’s never been me.

“All the years and spite between us, it means everything to both of us. There’s definitely fireworks in this fight, make no mistake.”

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...cid=entnewsntp

Double cash in if they manage to put on a cracker....:rolleyes:

Lad at work is going to pay for it. Gave him a talking to

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mark TKO

Double cash in if they manage to put on a cracker....:rolleyes:

Lad at work is going to pay for it. Gave him a talking to

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Just hope for an early knockout, preferably by Brook, where there will be no need for any rematch.

Last thing we need is another Haye-Bellew 2!

Khan has had a good career, he was a good fighter and definitely brave ....... but he does come across as a complete thick tool.

Brook will end his life feeling a bit shortchanged. he could have been one of the greats but he could never get any decent fights until too late. Fighting Golovkin finished him as a top flight guy and he has an eventful life outside the ring which probably hasn't helped.

Anyone paying for this?

If so you should self ban for a month

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mark TKO

Anyone paying for this?

If so you should self ban for a month

---

It's not one I'd buy, but then thinking about it, not sure there are that many fights outside of 1 or two potential heavyweight bouts I'd be willing to purchase these days.

They said the tickets sold out in 10 minutes.

meaningless fight... :-\

Inside Amir Khan's training camp: Old foes, sparring with Terence Crawford and 'total privacy'

Amir Khan is well known for flitting between trainers during his career, but teaming up with the man who masterminded his last defeat is an unlikely switch.

Brian 'Bomac' McIntyre will be the eighth trainer former world champion Khan has had in his corner since turning professional in 2005.

The American trains Terence Crawford, who beat Khan in the sixth round of a WBO welterweight world title defence in April 2019.

Khan, 35, now needs McIntyre to help him find his old spark for the high-voltage welterweight contest against Kell Brook in Manchester on 19 February.

The late Oliver Harrison was in charge for Khan's first 17 fights before being sacked and replaced by the late Dean Powell before Jorge Rubio oversaw Khan's shocking 54-second defeat by Breidis Prescott.

Freddie Roach then trained Khan for his greatest nights, but since they split in 2012 the Bolton boxer has worked with Virgil Hunter, Joe Goossen and Clarence 'Bones' Adams. Under Roach's four-year tutelage, Khan won the WBA super-lightweight title against Andriy Kotelnik and made five winning defences, including a sensational Las Vegas points victory against Marcos Maidana.

The fight against Sheffield's Brook finally takes place when both are considered past their prime. But McIntyre insists Khan can rediscover the Roach years, when he was one of boxing's biggest stars.

"It is so far, so good. Amir is looking good in camp and I am very pleased with where he is right now," McIntyre tells BBC Sport.

"Personally, I think he can get back to where he was. He has been showing signs of Amir Khan from the days when he was fighting Maidana and other guys.

"His hands were fast and his feet were fast. I have been seeing that in the last few sparring sessions.

"If he can do that in the rest of this camp, have a great performance against Brook and win, he can be considered one of the top in what weight class he wants to go to. But I wouldn't advise him to go any higher than welterweight.

"We are making sure he can do the things that we ask of. His hand speed, foot speed and diet has to be right for Amir to perform to his highest peak."

Khan's wife Faryal Makhdoom brought the partnership together when she called 'Bomac' at his home in Omaha, Nebraska.

Did he have any doubts about taking Khan on after Crawford accused him of quitting in their fight at Madison Square Garden?

"Not at all," adds McIntyre, who also saw Brook close up when Crawford beat him 15 months ago.

"What I wanted to do was challenge myself and my team to see if we can get Amir back to where he used to be.

"The first thing we did was get Amir into the shape so he can accomplish what he wants to do in the ring.

"That was the most important thing. Getting his body together, getting his diet together, bringing his weight down and making sure he can move on his feet.

"Once you get to that point we start to go over Brook more. I have studied Brook a lot and he won't be no different from this time to last time."

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cp...1138967060.jpg

The undefeated Crawford, 34, has helped in camp too, sparring with Khan in Omaha and Colorado Springs, where the team is based at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.

McIntyre adds: "From what Terence told me, he thought Amir was looking better.

"I respect those thoughts and comments. You want to hear things like that and what he needs to do more from the best in the world.

"You have to understand that Terence fought Amir and Brook, dominated both and he knows best."

Khan has also called on help from his relative and fighter Abdul Khan. At the very start of his professional career, Abdul will fight on the Khan-Brook undercard. After training in Omaha with Amir, Abdul says he was blown away by his cousin's focus under McIntyre.

"Amir has put in so much effort," he reveals.

"I felt like he was rolling back the years - he was locked in to what he was doing and totally focused, with his mind fully on the job. He's ready to go and knock Kell Brook out."

Olympic silver medallist Khan, who has won 34 of his 39 professional fights, has rarely trained at home in Britain.

That came as a relief to McIntyre, who appreciates how much the contest - where all 20,000 tickets were sold in just 10 minutes - means to British fight fans.

McIntyre explained: "I am glad that we are over here training in the middle of the United States. We have total privacy.

"We can walk into the 24 Hour Fitness gym and Walmart where nobody will know us.

"Nobody knows who Amir is and wants to take pictures and autographs and things of that nature.

"I know the fight is one of the biggest in Britain and I'm excited for my team and myself to be a part of it.

"Once we get this win, it will go down in history that our team came over there, upset Kell Brook and Amir looked like he did in 2010, 2011 and 2012."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/60187666

This will be decided by who's in the best shape on the night and has least rust.

This is why I think Brook will win because he was in shape as recent as November when he faced Crawford.

Khan has essentially been semi-retired since Canelo knocked him out and he will not get in shape, no matter how great he thinks his training camp has been.

My only concern was the way Brook folded so easily against Crawford, he normally has more resilience as he showed against Golovkin and Spence. Khan is not a huge puncher but his fast hands and footwork will cause problems until he gets caught by Brook.

They genuinely do not like one another and they are both at the ends of their career so this could make it a good contest. :)

https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/...1211.jpg?w=960

I hope it does go that way - on a free to view stream

HAD IT ALL Amir Khan vs Marcos Maidana one of the greatest fights Joe Cortez ever refereed – and he’s been in with Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran and Manny Pacquiao

Esteemed referee Joe Cortez believes Amir Khan’s victory against Marcos Maidana ‘was one of the most outstanding, skilful and exciting’ fights he saw in a 60-year career.

The 2004 Olympian returns to the ring this weekend in Manchester to face bitter rival Kell Brook in a fight neither man can afford to lose, live on talkSPORT.

Khan has seen and done it all across a career which began as a professional in 2005 and Saturday’s main event will be the 40th time he makes the walk to the ring.

Perhaps the only thing which has evaded Khan is a genuine domestic grudge match, although that will be settled one and for all when he is locked in with Brook at the AO Arena.

Cortez can pay testament to the skill level and ability of the 35-year-old, having witnessed him defend his WBA light-welterweight title at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas in 2010.

Despite having officiated fights featuring Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran and Manny Pacquaio, the International Boxing Hall of Fame alumni had incredibly high praise for this particular contest.

https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/1...nny-pacquiao/#

Cortez told ESPN in 2018: “During my 60 years linked to the sport of boxing, I have seen and refereed many great fights, but if I had to pick the top 20 championship fights that I refereed, I would say the Khan-Maidana bout in 2010 was one of the most outstanding, skilful and exciting. Lots of heart, blood, sweat and tears. That fight had it all.

It really did, with Khan flooring his opponent with a shot to the liver in the first round.

“You have to take into consideration that in 2010, both Maidana and Khan were in the prime of their careers. They were both outstanding, had great stamina, great reach, great reflexes, great punching power. It was really outstanding. Fans at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino were in for a treat.

“It was a fight that was very intense in some rounds, because both fighters were hurt in different occasions, especially in the first round, when Khan sent Maidana down with a left hook to the liver.

“I was surprised how Maidana was able to get off the canvas. It was a devastating punch that most fighters would have stayed down.”

The Argentine is one of the hardest punchers of his generation and fought back valiantly in the later rounds to stun the Brit badly.

Despite the back and forth battle, Cortez spoke highly of Khan and his powers of recovery, which are often overlooked with ‘King Khan’ too easily dismissed as ‘chinny’ by detractors.

Yet he showed great heart, skill and power to claim a unanimous decision win and deny ‘El Chino’ and his marauding blows.

Cortez added: “Khan is a great puncher and has great speed. In most cases, when a fighter has punching power, they don’t have great speed. Amir has both, just like Mike Tyson, who had great speed and great punching power.

“Maidana, with his experience and determination, got up from the canvas when he was in danger and continued the rest of the fight like a real champion.

“As Maidana was rocked in the first round, Khan was to get his fair share of huge blows. In the sixth round, Maidana proved it.

“I always knew that Khan had a questionable chin, and he got hit hard. He has always been able to weather the storm, with the exception of when he got KO’d by Breidis Prescott a couple of years back.

“But he always seems to get out of those dangers when he’s hurt, and he has great experience and great footwork, plus him being a masterful resourceful fighter, Khan was able to weave and backtrack to be able to survive, and he did that very well. I was surprised how he was able to stay on his feet.

“When you see a fighter that is a little bit hurt, you throw punches from all angles, as was the case with Maidana. Of course, the duty of the referee is to enforce the rules, so when I saw Khan got hit behind the head on several occasions, I knew they weren’t intentional. It was in desperation to try to put away Khan, and he would try to start throwing punches to those dangerous areas where you hit punches behind the head.

“Had he put Khan down with those punches around the head, I would have had to determine if it was caused by Khan turning his head trying to get away from those punches or was it an intentional punch. Thank god it was not intentional, so therefore, it made it a lot easier for me to handle. Had Amir gone down because of that punch, I would have taken a different action depending on how severe the blow to the head was.

“I think Amir pulled it out, it was a back-and-forth mano-a-mano match. The 12th was a hard round to score. I don’t think that all three judges had it the same in the last round, because it was that kind of a fight, and it was an outstanding performance by both fighters.

“The scores of 114-111 twice and 113-112 were right on the spot.”

The fight was called one of the ‘fights of the decade’ by Oscar De La Hoya and the Boxing Writers Association of America awarded it Fight of the Year.

Let’s hope for a banger on Saturday night.

https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/1...anny-pacquiao/

AMIR KHAN and Kell Brook’s bitter pay-per-view grudge match is being sweetened by some tasty undercard bouts.

Underrated and understated Germaine Brown gets a crack at the English super-middleweight title as he continues to go about his hurt business quietly but impressively against champ Charlie Schofield.

Tokyo 2020 bronze winner Frazer Clarke makes his heavyweight debut against a TBC opponent, as he aims to follow in the footsteps of Team GB giants Anthony Johsua and Joe Joyce by grabbing an Olympic and becoming a pro star.

At 30-years-old already, with a long and impressive amateur record and thousands of rounds sparring AJ in the bank, Clarke will be fastracked by Boxxer and Sky Sports toward major fights.

Viddal Riley - the cruiserweight who found fame by coaching internet sensation KSI for his celebrity boxing bouts - looks to improve on his record with a bout against journeyman Willbeforce Shihepo.

Brilliant brothers Adam (lightweight) and Hassan (welter) Azim will feature against lesser foes as they continue to show improvements out of Shane McGuigan’s fine young stable.

And Abdul Khan, cousin of Bolton’s favourite headliner, gets to open the show for his favourite relative and manager.

After failed world title bids at super-feather and lightweight, Liverpool queen Natasha Jonas jumps up to super-welterweight to get a crack at the WBO world title against Chris Namus.

The 37-year-old mother has suffered harsh decisions in her two most high profile bouts - against Terri Harper and Katie Taylor - so will be desperate to finally grab a world honour.

At middleweight 23-year-old Brad Rea targets 12-0 in a 50-50 battle with Ireland’s Craig McCarthy.

And finally, Manchester boxing legend Ricky Hatton will make an appearance at his local arena in the corner of his charge Ibrahim Nadim.

Amir Khan vs Kell Brook (catchweight 149lbs)
Natasha Jonas vs Chris Namus (WBO world super welterweight title)
Charlie Schofield vs Germaine Brown(English super middleweight title)
Bradley Rea vs Craig McCarthy (Middleweight)
Frazer Clarke vs TBA (Heavyweight)
Viddal Riley vs Willbeforce Shihepo (Cruiserweight)
Adam Azim vs Jordan Ellison (Lightweight)
Hassan Azim vs MJ Hall (Welterweight)
Abdul Khan vs Ricky Starkey (Lightweight)
Ibrahim Nadim vs Taka Bembere (Super featherweight)

https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/17660...d-fight-times/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mKWvGEFbJE

Kell Brook has insisted that he can knock out Amir Khan after mastering the weight cut that looms later this week.

Before Khan and Brook settle their score in Manchester on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office, they must navigate Friday's weigh-in where the limit is 149lbs.

A six-figure fine is in place for every pound above the limit that either man may weigh.

Khan vs Brook: How to bookBook the fight onlineNon-Sky subscribers: Book here
But Brook, who notoriously battled with the scales to make 147lbs as the world welterweight champion, warned Khan: "He has made a big mistake by [delaying me] for seven months.

"Unfortunately for him, I was training.

"I could have made the weight three or four weeks ago.

"I am very comfortable. I am happy. I'm not putting a poker face on.

"I have done the hard work. I was away from my family at Christmas."

Brook was booed at Wednesday's public work-outs but said: "I truly believe that I end this fight by knockout.

"I won't go out and be stupid by looking for the knockout.

"But if I am 100 percent, which I am, then the shot will come.

"I believe it will happen at some point in the fight."

Khan received a hero's welcome and said: "I've never trained so hard. I never had an easy day.

"Having Terence Crawford here is massive motivation. He is the best fighter in the world - he fought me and Kell - and his advice has been brilliant.

"I will win this fight in good style.

"Kell doesn't have a chance - it is the best Amir that is coming on Saturday."

Undefeated WBO champion Crawford, who welcomed Khan into his US training camp to ready himself for Brook, said about their brutal preparations: "I call it Hell in a Cell! If you get through camp, you can do anything.

"The fight is the fun part.

"But you win the fight in the gym. You prepare yourself for whatever may come in the gym.

"Everybody wants to see these two get in the ring to settle their differences.

"It didn't happen back then, but it will happen now.

"A lot is riding on it.

"Brook is very talented. He still has a lot left in the tank. But I give the edge to Khan because I witnessed how hard he trained, how he sparred, how he progressed and I see the hunger in his eyes."

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...cid=entnewsntp

Amir Khan: Former world champion not considering retirement after Kell Brook fight

Amir Khan says he has no intention of retiring from boxing if he loses his upcoming bout with long-time rival Kell Brook.

The British duo fight each other in Manchester on Saturday at a 147lbs catchweight after a near 20-year feud.

But Khan, 35, is not thinking about quitting as he told BBC Breakfast: "After Sunday? Career still going strong. I'm still fighting.

"I feel better at 35 than I was at 25, believe it or not."

Khan added: "I feel so strong, so fresh. I've got that love back for the sport again.

"Training with the new team in Nebraska, they've brought the love back for me. I'm really excited to see what the future holds."

Brook is also 35 and, like Khan, a former world champion and last fought in November 2020 when he lost to Terence Crawford for the WBO welterweight title.

Despite both men being past their prime, the Manchester Arena sold out in less than 10 minutes, such is the demand for the grudge match.

"It shows how much impact this fight has and the demand - people want to see this fight," Khan said of the ticket sales.

"We don't like each other, everyone sees that. I cannot lose against someone like Kell Brook.

"It would be very upsetting in my career if I lost to Kell Brook. That's why going into this fight we had to be 100% ready and we have to beat this guy in good fashion."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/60395628

Kell Brook’s trainer drinks glass of boxer’s sweat to leave fans disgusted

Brook's trainer Dominic Ingle has drunk a glass of his sweat during a Behind the Ropes documentary which has left fans disgusted and branding the video "grim"

Kell Brook's trainer has left fans disgusted after drinking the fighter's sweat during his preparations for his grudge match with Amir Khan.

The British star has returned to Sheffield for fight week after training in a warm-weather camp in Fuerteventura during the festive period.

He has returned to working with long-term trainer Dominic Ingle after previously splitting with him for his fight with Terence Crawford.

A video emerged on Sky Sports documentary Behind The Ropes of Ingle encouraging Brook for his fight with Khan, and he said: "On the 19th you are going to get the blood and the tears from Khan, you can give me the sweat instead. Am I alright to put this on Ebay?"

Brook drained a towel into a glass and joked around telling his trainer Ingle to "down it".

Ingle agreed to it and drank the sweat before showing the empty glass to the camera which left fans mortified, with one fan commenting: "This is my cue to get off Twitter, absolutely disgusting."

Another fan ranted: "Aside from the fact that there’s no need to do this and it doesn’t do anything for the fight itself, it’s also unhygienic and making them look like they’ve lost their head.

"You really have to hate someone to go to these lengths! I’d hate to think what they’d down if they won."

One fan claimed: "This is the worst thing I have ever seen."

Another agreed: "Made me want to vomit, how are you just drinking another man's sweat from a glass like that?"

A fan used the video to back Khan: "This genuinely is one of the most disgusting things I’ve ever seen. Amir has this whole team on strings."

One fan believed coronavirus would play a part: "A new f****** covid variant was created after this."

Who will win the grudge match - Amir Khan or Kell Brook? Let us know in the comments section below

Brook is set to face Khan in a huge domestic showdown on Saturday as he looks to finally settle his rivalry with the former world champion.

The pair have continuously feuded during the build-up to the fight and vowed to put at end to each other's careers as they approach their twilight years.

A bumper crowd is expected in Manchester with the tickets selling in a record-breaking time of just ten minutes.

However Brook believes the majority of fans will back him after receiving several private messages of support.

“I know me and him are not gonna see eye-to-eye, that is common knowledge," Brook said. "I am getting the message that everybody is behind me, the truth is out now.

"The truth is that he didn’t want the fight all that time and it’s me who wanted to give him that fight.

"I have been getting messages on social media like 'good luck' and it is all positive. I know he's going to have his fans but the majority will be behind me."

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/boxin...sweat-26242579

Amir Khan labelled Kell Brook his "fanboy" at a fiery media conference before their highly anticipated fight on Saturday night in Manchester.

The former world champions will finally share a ring in the 147lbs catchweight bout after feuding throughout their professional careers.

Khan, 35, insisted fellow Briton Brook has always been "jealous" of him.

"I think Kell's always been very obsessed with my career. He's been a fanboy," Khan said.

"I think there comes a stage where I've been living in his head for such a long time that he needs to start paying me some rent."

Brook snapped back: "He's definitely going to sleep Saturday night when I smash him in. He's took this fight because he thinks I'm half broken. He's made a massive mistake."

Interest in the bout has been intense, with tickets selling out in minutes despite both men being 35 years old and past their prime.

Brook accused Khan of doing everything he could to gain an advantage before fight night, and tension continued through the face-off, but there were no more fireworks as each man kept their distance.

"It should have been at a more natural weight," Brook said. "But he's obviously done everything he can to make sure I'm at a disadvantage. I might even come in overweight tomorrow night - we'll wait and see."

With tensions high and even the fighters' coaches Dominic Ingle and Brian 'BoMac' McIntyre engaging in a shouting match, Khan denied emotions could get the better of him on Saturday night.

"I'm going to go for the kill, but I'm experienced enough at this age to not make mistakes and go off the gameplan," said Khan.

When there is a grudge match of this magnitude, these conferences can often be a little overwhelming and forced. But that was not the case in Manchester. Make no mistake, the animosity, the rivalry, the bad blood - it is all genuine.

As we have seen throughout the whole build-up to this fight, Khan was once again relaxed and working the crowd. Brook rarely cracked a smile. He feels Khan has never recognised or appreciated his achievements. For Brook, it does seem that little bit more personal.

The insults and accusations from both fighters crossed the line a little. At times they were like two petulant children. The 'adults' in the room were no better. Brook's trainer, Dominic Ingle, and Khan's coach, Brian 'BoMac' McIntyre, also got involved in a loud and heated exchange.

I suspected things might get physical when the two fighters went face-to-face, but both Khan and Brook were surprisingly calm. They will meet again at tomorrow's weigh-in - which will take place in front of the public - where there might be some fireworks.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/60405715

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgA9eZlFwpE