Amir Khan wants a return to the big leagues after his forthcoming bout at the King Abdullah Sports Complex in Jeddah next month.
Former world champion Khan aims for an impressive victory over Neeraj Goyat to return him Boxing`s elite in order to challenge WBC welterweight champion Shawn Porter.
Khan during a 38-fight career has shared the ring with a constellation of stars. Namely Canelo Alvarez, Danny Garcia, Zab Judah and Marco Antonio Barrera.
“The Bolton man will face the former Asian WBC welterweight champion in a 12-round welterweight showdown in Saudi Arabia on July 12.
There will also be a special trophy presented by the WBC. The winner of the bout will take home the WBC Pearl belt, which is on the line.
“With a British Pakistani and an Indian fighter, this fight has even more flavor and makes it even bigger, especially in that part of the world,” Khan said.
“I always train hard for a fight, I’m always focused. I always give everything. And I know full well that fights like this could lead to bigger things.
“The welterweight division is currently one of the most difficult divisions in the world, with some great names. I want to return to that elite once again.”
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Goyat turned pro in 2011 and has won 11 of his 16 bouts. Khan, however, sees the defeat of Anthony Joshua by John Ruiz Jr. as an inspirational story of how everything in the ring is possible.
“I never think about losing, but a defeat would definitely destroy me. It would make my opponent a great name,” he concluded.
Porter recently confirmed he’s signed on to face Errol Spence in a unification. The winner could conceivably defend against Khan should the Briton win impressively.
Challenging Terence Crawford unsuccessfully in April, Khan is in need of a redemption fight. Khan was pulled out by trainer Virgil Hunter due to a low blow.
Since then, Khan has turned to former fitness coach Alex Ariza as his new trainer moving forward.
