Amir Khan has long been retired but still backs himself to get a win if he were to go straight into a world title fight with one champion in particular.
Khan turned professional in 2005 after winning an Olympic silver medal in 2004. He rose fast through the ranks with lightning hand speed and captured the WBA light-welterweight title in 2009 and added the IBF belt in 2011.
He is celebrated for always taking huge fights and for being in thrilling battles with plenty of knockdowns and often sensational knockouts.
He had legendary battles with Marcos Maidana and Danny Garcia, was knocked out in brutal fashion by Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and retired himself from his fight with now three-weight undisputed champion Terence Crawford.
His final bout was a defeat to long-time rival Kell Brook in Manchester in February 2022, after which he hung up the gloves. However, ever since then he has spoken about a potential return, most often targeting Manny Pacquiao, though now his target has changed.
Speaking to iFL TV, Khan was asked if he thought he could beat current WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios with a six-month camp.
“Barrios? Yeah. Seriously. I like Barrios, he deserves it but yeah I’d like to fight Barrios. If I was to come back I’d like to fight Barrios.”
Barrios has been the WBC welterweight champion since being elevated from interim champion in 2024, and in his first two defences he has fought to two draws, first with Abel Ramos in November 2024, then with Pacquiao back in July.
