Amir Khan returns to training with fight on his mind and aims dig at Jake Paul

26 February 2024 , 22:33

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Amir Khan has revealed he is back in training (Image: Getty Images)

Amir Khan has revealed he is back in training but has stated Jake Paul will not be his next opponent as he made a dig at the American.

Khan retired in 2022 after being beaten by Kell Brook, getting stopped in six rounds at the O2 Arena by his long-time rival. Just over two years since that dismal defeat, Khan is now eyeing a return to the ring.

So far, he has not named any opponent or set a date for any future bout. Instead, he has only declared that Paul will not be taking him on, despite the American having won eight of his nine fights so far.

Khan and Paul have been frequently linked with facing off, ever since the Englishman began teasing a comeback. Reports have also emerged that former sparring partner Manny Pacquiao could be a potential opponent, something Khan has welcomed.

"I mean I am training a little bit here and there but the thing is the only man that can make that fight happen is Turki Alalshikh. I think Turki Alalshikh can make that fight happen between me and Manny Pacquiao," Khan told The Sun.

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"Yeah, that's a fight that would definitely lift me up, for sure. Jake Paul, I don't think I can lift myself up for that fight. But, like a Manny Pacquiao fight you have to be on your A-game."

Khan is currently training in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh as he builds up his return. Pacquiao hung up his gloves back in 2021 and has since transitioned into politics, though he failed with a run in the Philippines' presidential election.

Khan has insisted he will not be fighting Jake Paul (Getty Images)

The 45-year-old has opened the door to a comeback and even faced Korean YouTuber DK Yoo in December 2022. He was also pictured alongside Khan as they watched Tyson Fury's win over Francis Ngannou in Saudi back in October.

Paul has won his last two fights since being defeated by Fury 12 months ago. He beat Nate Diaz by unanimous decision last August, before knocking out Andre August in the first round of their bout in December.

Khan has certainly appeared to change his mind on Paul over the past two months. Back in December, the 37-year-old insisted he wanted to take on the American former YouTuber.

"Jake Paul, he gets on my nerves a little bit. I think the way he conducts himself, the way he acts, and he’s just full of himself as well and he thinks he can fight,” Khan told Heart.

“He’s only been boxing for like a year, so yeah, I’d love to fight him. He’s been very lucky though, he’s a little bit heavier than me but I don’t mind putting the pounds on just to beat him up."

Jacob Leeks