All the latest information ahead of the highly anticipated fight next month
Amir Khan believes training alongside pound-for-pound fighter Terence Crawford – once his nemesis – has given him “greater confidence” ahead of his blockbuster all-British clash with Kell Brook on Feb 19 in Manchester. Khan – record 39 wins, five defeats – insisted he must not overlook a rival who is driven by “jealousy” and “spite”.
“I think his punch resistance has gone. I think he’s doing it for the payday. But it’s like any other fight, I have to be on my A-game. I have to do everything punch perfect, I have to give him a boxing lesson. But I cannot afford to make any mistakes against Brook,” said Khan, who will be in the ring for the first time in three years.
Speaking from the United States, Khan explained: “My power, my punch rate are all on point, I’m sparring hungry young fighters in Omaha and Colorado Springs and it has given me a new lease of life. I’ll be honest, at the age of 35 I wondered if I could train twice six days a week, and run the hills on a Sunday, but I’m outperforming the younger fighters in the gym. I am the better fighter and I want to shut Brook up and prove the point that I am levels above him. The fight has been on and off for years and I agreed on everything they wanted. I’m glad we have got here.”
A month out from their long overdue meeting, Khan’s rival Brook – record 39-3 – spoke from his training camp in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, insisting this is a contest the former world welterweight champion craves “not for money but for bragging rights” and a fight he “has craved for a long, long, time.”
“Better late than never, though. I sacrificed Christmas and the New Year, taking 90 mile bike rides on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and staying away from festivities, my missus and my kids, because it means so much to me. I will have been out here six weeks by the time I get home,” said Brook looking bronzed and lean in the jawline.
“Khan wants this fight for the money; I want this fight for the glory and the legacy it can bring me. I’m seeing this as my biggest fight, as big as any world title fight, even though there is no title on the line. I will use all my experience, and it will mean everything to me to beat Amir Khan on February 19 in Manchester.”
The battle for the championship of each other, although taking place years after it was first discussed, has gathered pace with the Manchester Arena having sold out in record time.
What is it?
An all British fight between Kell Brook and Amir Khan.
When is it?
The fight will take place on February 19.
Where is it?
The fight will take place at the AO Arena in Manchester.
How to watch Brook vs Khan on TV
The fight will be shown on Sky Sports Box Office.