In an unexpected move, Amir Khan has signed an exclusive deal with Matchroom and put his feud with Eddie Hearn to rest.
Khan hasn’t fought in almost two years, having been brutally knocked out by Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in May 2016, but he is eager to reignite his career at 147lbs and feels like Hearn is the man to mastermind his comeback.
The former light-welterweight world champion announced on Wednesday that he had signed a three-fight deal with Matchroom, with the first of those bouts to take place on April 21 at Liverpool’s Echo Arena.
Having previously claimed “I just don’t like Eddie Hearn,” Khan has put his issues with the promoter to bed and agreed terms on a contract.
“I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Matchroom,” Khan said. “This decision is not one I’ve taken lightly, as I’m at a hugely important time in my career, but having spoken to Eddie at length, it was clear he and I were on the same page in terms of what I want to be doing and what I still want to achieve.
Delighted to confirm I’ve signed a three-fight deal with @EddieHearn & @MatchroomBoxing. I’ll be fighting live on @SkySportsBoxing on April 21st in Liverpool. Can’t tell you how excited I am to fight in the UK once again. #BackToBusiness pic.twitter.com/Mx41hcAbcW
— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) January 10, 2018
“I’m determined to win another world championship and I’m confident I’ve got the right team behind me to help me do so.
“Just as important a factor was the opportunity to fight in the UK for the first time in five years, and to do so with the support of the British fans and Sky Sports behind me. British boxing is in such a good place and I genuinely can’t wait to get back in that ring with the incredible home support behind me.
“I’ve been out of the ring for too long, and I’m desperate to make up for lost time, starting in April.”
An opponent has not yet been named for Khan’s April contest but both Adrien Broner and Kell Brook have been rumoured as possible options.
“The plan is to box three times by the end of the year” – @EddieHearn @amirkingkhan returns to action on April 21 at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, live on Sky Sports 👊
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) January 10, 2018
Hearn confirmed that the 30-year-old will take to the ring three times in 2018 before a new contract will have to be negotiated for 2019.
“Amir is one of the biggest names in the sport of boxing and his return on April 21 will be the first time he has boxed in the UK in seven years,” Hearn said.
“The plan is to box in April and then again in August or September in preparation for a super fight in Winter 2018.
“The target is to provide him with the biggest fights possible with a mouth-watering list of names including the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Kell Brook, Keith Thurman and Errol Spence.
“I’m excited to get started and looking forward to a huge night of boxing on April 21.”
