In an exclusive interview with WBN over the summer, the 29-year-old had stated his intention to fight three times in 2017 on the back of a fifth round knockout loss to Canelo Alvarez back in Vegas last May.
As the year has worn on, and Khan continues his recovery from much-needed hand surgery, the former super-lightweight world title holder has been forced to delay his comeback by at least a few months.
“I want to be back in training in December 2016 and fight around March or April 2017,” stated Khan before updating on his injury and ruling out a fight in the MMA octagon anytime soon.
“Training is going great (and there’ll be a) big announcement very soon. My hand is recovering well and I can’t wait to be in the ring soon, yes boxing ring,” he joked.
Khan had been informed by WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman that he can challenge their 147 pound belt holder Danny Garcia when he’s good and ready, although judging by the Bolton man’s change of plans a rematch between the pair is a long way off.
Garcia stopped Khan in just four rounds in their original 2012 meeting at the lower limit and is currently scouting an opponent for a fight at the end of the year.
With Khan’s next outing set to be a warm-up to feel out his recovery, any future clash with Garcia wouldn’t be able to take place until the summer of 2017, at the earliest and the WBC may be forced to move mandatory matters on before then.
WBN UPDATE: Khan’s failure to register for the WBC Clean Boxing Program means he will lose his ranking with the WBC
