The 30 year-old, who once reigned over the 140 pound division, has seen his career stall due to personal problems since being knocked out by Canelo Alvarez in May 2016.
Now refreshed and with a new vigor, Khan is hoping to make a comeback on UK soil before a massive encounter in the United States later in 2018.
Ex-foe Danny Garcia or a potential world title challenge against Errol Spence Jr. have both been mentioned in Khan’s future, although the Bolton man must first get back to winning ways on home soil.
That’s where Frank Warren or Eddie Hearn may well come in as Khan looks to secure a ranking before taking on some of the best fighters in the world.
A fringe world title opponent, maybe someone in the ilk of a Bradley Skeete or Frankie Gavin, would be ideal for Khan to break the former Olympic silver medallist back in ahead of sterner tests to come.
WBO third-ranked Skeete is undefeated and current British champion, although was linked to fights with Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn before stablemate Gary Corcoran eventually sealed a fight with the latter.
Without Floyd Mayweather on the horizon, Khan may switch his short-term focus to Pacquiao, and with his old training partner eyeing up a rematch for the WBO title against Horn (if he gets through Corcoran), the ‘King’ would need a rating with the World Boxing Organisation to seal any future world title challenge against the legendary Filipino.
Working with Warren, whom he’s team with before after his Athens efforts in 2004, would be more likely than Hearn due to bad blood between Khan and Matchroom promoted Kell Brook over a potential clash between the two.
Khan has already ruled out a meeting with Brook in the immediate future and a Warren link-up would be the way to go for any UK event in early 2018.
Others to consider would be Stephen Goodwin, Barry McGuigan and Steve Wood of VIP.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
