Amir Khan has today announced that he is retiring from professional boxing at the age of 35. The announcement comes after his defeat to bitter rival Kell Brook in Manchester, on February 19th.
The British star returned to the ring in February for the first time since 2019 in a blockbuster event against Kell Brook. Unfortunately, Khan was outclassed on the night and Brook secured a sixth round stoppage win. This loss over long term rival Brook left huge question marks over Khan’s future.
Amir Khan has finally closed the chapter on his 27 years in the sport and left a statement to announce his decision, tweeting:
“It’s time to hang up my gloves. I feel blessed to have had such an amazing career that has spanned over 27 years. I want to say a heartfelt thanks and to the incredible teams I have worked with and to my family, friends and fans for the love and support they have shown me.”
Amir Khan Leaves The Sport With Glittering Achievements
Amir Khan delivered an Olympic silver medal in Athens in 2004. His Olympic triumph secured funding for the future of British boxing and team GB. He also had a very successful professional career, sharing the ring with the likes of Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford. Khan once reigned as the unified WBA and IBF world light-welterweight champion. Earlier in his career, Khan had also won titles at Commonwealth and domestic levels.
Khan recently announced his return to the ring to face Kell Brook ending a ten-year wait to settle the rivalry. Over the years, both fighters had claimed themselves to be the best out of the two. We finally got to see the long-awaited grudge match in Manchester. Despite all the bravery he showed in the ring, Khan was dismantled by Brook and stopped in the sixth round.
Shortly after the defeat to Brook, Khan hinted at retirement while admitting he had fallen out of love with the sport, he said:
“I’ve had 40 fights, winning two world titles, fighting in America and around the world. I need to sit down with my family but it is more towards the end of my career.”
Amir Khan will go down as one of the greats of British boxing. Starting from his Olympic heroics to winning two world titles, he has had a glittering career representing Great Britain. As Khan hangs up his gloves, he will continue working in boxing as the WBC Middle East boxing council president.
What is your favourite moment from Amir Khan’s career? And do you think Khan would have beaten Brook with both fighters in their primes? Let us know in the comments!
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