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 boxer had not fought anywhere for two years since being beaten by Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in Las Vegas in May 2016.

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. The 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.

“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.”

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.”

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. “

Opinion

Editorial

Terrorism upsurge
Updated 08 Oct, 2024

Terrorism upsurge

The state cannot afford major security lapses. It may well be that the Chinese nationals were targeted to sabotage SCO event.
Ban hammer
08 Oct, 2024

Ban hammer

THE decision to ban the PTM under the Anti-Terrorism Act is yet another ill-advised move by the state. Although the...
Water tensions
08 Oct, 2024

Water tensions

THE unresolved tensions over Indus water distribution under the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord demand a revision of...
A bloody year
Updated 07 Oct, 2024

A bloody year

Using the Oct 7 attacks as an excuse to wage endless aggression on Middle East, Israel has crossed all red lines.
Bleak cotton outlook
07 Oct, 2024

Bleak cotton outlook

THE extremely slow arrival of phutti at the ginning factories of Punjab and Sindh so far indicate a huge drop in the...
Killjoy neighbours
07 Oct, 2024

Killjoy neighbours

AT the worst of times in their bilateral relations, India and Pakistan have not shied away from carrying out direct...