*LIVERPOOL: Amir Khan’s first bout in a British ring for five years saw himknock out Canada’s Phil Lo Greco in a mere 39 seconds on Saturday.*
The 31-year-old British boxer had not fought anywhere for two years sincebeing beaten by Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Las Vegas in May 2016.
And the 2004 Olympic silver medallist wasted little time in sending LoGreco tumbling with a quick one-two punch combination inside the opening 30seconds.
Khan then pinned Lo Greco to the ropes before the super-welterweightcontest ended moments after it had started.
Victory left Khan on course for his long-awaited showdown with Britishrival Kell Brook, who was among those watching at ringside on Saturday.
“I have been out the ring for two years but I was still in the gym workinghard, I have never taken a day off. I wanted to prove a point coming back —I was trained to fight for 12 rounds, I had to make some changes and Phillo Greco is a dangerous opponent,” Khan told the BBC.
“Enjoy my victory. Khan’s back. I was a little nervous, but I am back witha big bang. I want to become a world champion this year or next year.”
Khan, however, added: “I want to fight the best guys. If it means going upa division I will.”
As for a bout with Brook, Khan, most famous recently for his ‘jungle’appearance in the British television show ‘I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out ofHere’, said: “That fight is something I am not rushing and not running awayfrom. I will fight Kell Brook and beat Kell Brook. Kell Brook has beenliving off my name for a long time. I am a stronger fighter, a betterfighter.
“I’m not a fighter to run away.”
But an unimpressed Brook said: “He doesn’t want the fight, he just ran off.
“Amir, all the fans want the fight, I want the fight, he can go in thejungle and chase stars but when he gets in there with me, I’ll make him seestars.” – APP /AFP