Amir Khan’s Transition to Promotion
Amir Khan, the former world champion with a storied boxing career, is now stepping into the role of a promoter. Known for his Olympic silver medal at just 17 and major bouts against stars like Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Marcos Maidana, Khan retired in 2022 after a fight with rival Kell Brook. He is now focused on promoting high-class boxing events, starting with an exciting show in Nigeria on the nation’s Independence Day this Wednesday.
“Chaos in the Ring” Event
The upcoming event, entitled “Chaos in the Ring,” represents a groundbreaking moment in Nigerian sports. It aims to capture the festive spirit of Independence Day, with the streets of Lagos filled with celebration, music, and parades. Khan expressed his anticipation, stating,
“You can imagine all the hype. Everyone will have a day off and will want to come.”
This event is in partnership with the Balmoral Group Promotions and follows Khan’s earlier promotional venture in Ghana earlier this year.
Fighter Connections and Future Aspirations
Khan aims to connect fighters with their roots, as seen in past shows featuring fighters like Ohara Davies, who competed in Ghana to honor his heritage. The main card includes a cruiserweight battle between Brandon Glanton and Marcus Browne, alongside British light-heavyweight Dan Azeez, who is eager to participate in a historic fight on Nigerian soil.
Having worked with esteemed promoters such as Frank Warren and Eddie Hearn, Khan acknowledges the challenges of promotion, particularly in negotiating fighter pay. He remarked,
“It’s like a game of chess.”
Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful that his extensive boxing experience will help him craft reputable events.
Vision Beyond Africa
Khan’s vision extends beyond Africa, with aspirations to return to the UK market and host events in Saudi Arabia during the lucrative Riyadh Season. He understands that achieving these goals will require substantial support from broadcasters and co-promoters. Khan inquired,
“I made promoters millions, will they do the same for me?”
highlighting his expectation for reciprocal loyalty.
Potential Return to the Ring
Despite officially retiring, Khan suggests that a return to the ring could be possible if offered matches against legendary figures like Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather. However, after years of attempts to secure these high-profile bouts without success, a comeback seems unlikely. Originally from a modest background in Bolton, Khan’s journey from a promising teenager to a celebrated world champion demonstrates his capacity to thrive. Now, as a promoter, he aims to build a lasting legacy in the boxing world that matches his achievements as an athlete.
