Former world champion Amir Khan said that he choose a greater challenge against American rival Terence Crawford for less money rather than meet fellow British rival Kell Brook. Khan will fight the Omaha welterweight world champion, who is ranked in the top three, on April 20 at Madison Square Garden in New York. A UK television deal is yet to be finalised for the fight, but the two men came face to face in London at a news conference. Neither man broke a sweat, Khan even brushing off the view of the American that the Briton is “around No 6 or No 7 welterweight in the world.” However, Khan was clear about one thing: The battle with Brook can wait.
“His last fight did hardly any ticket sales and the performance was that bad that it upset even the fans who came to see him fight,” said Khan of Brook’s contest against journeyman Michael Zerafa in December. Khan even went as far as to agree that Brook will always be the B-side. Khan can create a legacy for himself should he leave the New York ring with his arms raised. “I am in a division and position where I am a big name globally. I can almost get any big name to fight me,” Khan said.
“I’m not going there as an opponent; I’m the best fighter he’s been in the ring with. Other fighters like Jeff Horn took him nine rounds and I’m a better fighter than all the fighters he’s faced; I’d beat all the fighters he’s faced. He’s moving up in levels and so am I, he’s a big test for me and someone at my own weight division where I’m more comfortable.”
“This will be like a chess match,” Khan said. “I will not go in and get hurt, I will try to win, otherwise I would not have taken it. I had an easier fight there for me with the Kell Brook fight. But I feel this fight will put me where I need to be.”
