A welterweight world title bout featuring two of the world’s top stars is close as Terence Crawford prepares to defend his WBO welterweight belt against Amir Khan.
WBN understands an announcement could be made within a week. The pair will trade blows for a place in the Pound for Pound Top 10.
Crawford already holds the number five spot on the back an amazing run of championship victories at 135, 140 and 147 pounds.
Therefore, a win for Khan could mean the Briton breaks back into the elite band of fighters for the first time in five years.
Damaging losses to Danny Garcia and Canelo Alvarez saw Khan take a backward step. Although two recent triumphs under the Eddie Hearn banner have breathed new life into his career.
Despite talks with UK rival Kell Brook over a massive collision at Wembley, Khan is opting for legacy over grudge by facing Crawford.
Even in defeat, Khan knows Brook will still be there after Crawford. Which is a high-profile fight on the world stage and not just in his home country.
The finer details of Crawford v Khan (???? Matchroom / Mikey Williams) will be discussed this week. With signatures on the cards to be inked on contracts by Friday.
An official confirmation could then be made by Top Rank. Dependent on how smoothly dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s concludes.
ESPN+
Khan would likely appear on the ESPN+ format for Crawford before then returning to DAZN for one last contracted bout with Matchroom.
As things currently stand, there are no public plans to extend the deal beyond the original three-fight agreement.
This could change if Khan is able to dethrone Crawford in what many see as a winnable fight for the Bolton man.
Crawford is not known as a massive puncher, despite stopping five of his last six. This means Khan’s skill and speed will come into play in a highly-attractive match-up.
The whole scenario is a big blow for Brook, who can now crack on with plans to challenge for a version of the super-welterweight crown in 2019.
Jarrett Hurd, Jaime Munguia and Brian Castano are firmly on Brook’s radar as WBC ruler Tony Harrison is set for a rematch with Jermell Charlo.
TERENCE CRAWFORD LAST SIX:
October 2018 – Jose Benavidez W (TKO12)
June 2018 – Jeff Horn W (TKO9)
August 2017 – Julius Indongo W (KO3)
May 2017 – Felix Diaz W (RET10)
December 2016 – John Molina Jr W (TKO8)
July 2016 – Viktor Postol W (UD 12)
