Amir Khan knocks out Lo Greco in 39 seconds

LIVERPOOL: Amir Khan's first bout in a British ring for five years saw him knock out Canada's Phil Lo Greco in a mere 39 seconds on Saturday.

The 31-year-old British-Pakistani boxer had not fought anywhere for two years since being beaten by Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in Las Vegas in May 2016.

Amir Khan celebrates winning the fight. PHOTO: REUTERS



And the 2004 Olympic silver medallist wasted little time in sending Lo Greco tumbling with a quick one-two punch combination inside the opening 30 seconds. Khan then pinned Lo Greco to the ropes before the super-welterweight contest ended moments after it had started.

Amir Khan (R) fights Canada's Phil Lo Greco in their Super-Welterweight contest at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, northern England, on April 21, 2018. PHOTO: AFP

Victory left Khan on course for his long-awaited showdown with British rival Kell Brook, who was among those watching at ringside on Saturday. "I have been out the ring for two years but I was still in the gym working hard, I have never taken a day off. I wanted to prove a point coming back - I was trained to fight for 12 rounds, I had to make some changes and Phil lo Greco is a dangerous opponent," Khan told the BBC.

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"Enjoy my victory. Khan's back. I was a little nervous, but I am back with a big bang. I want to become a world champion this year or next year."



Khan, however, added: "I want to fight the best guys. If it means going up a division I will."

Amir Khan (R) fights Canada's Phil Lo Greco in their Super-Welterweight contest at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, northern England, on April 21, 2018. PHOTO: AFP

As for a bout with Brook, Khan, most famous recently for his 'jungle' appearance in the British television show 'I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here', said: "That fight is something I am not rushing and not running away from. I will fight Kell Brook and beat Kell Brook. Kell Brook has been living off my name for a long time. I am a stronger fighter, a better fighter. I'm not a fighter to run away."

Amir Khan knocks down Phil Lo Greco. PHOTO: REUTERS

But an unimpressed Brook said: "He doesn't want the fight, he just ran off. "Amir, all the fans want the fight, I want the  fight, he can go in the jungle and chase stars but when he gets in there with me, I'll make him see stars."