Former world champion Amir Khan (31-4, 19 KOs) is preparing for his first fight in nearly two years.

Last week, Khan announced that he signed a three fight deal with promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom. His return has been set for April 21 at the Echo Arena in Liverpool.

The Bolton boxer has been out of the ring since suffering a knockout loss to Saul "Canelo" Alvarez at a catch-weight of 155-pounds, in a fight which took place in May of 2016 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Khan would like to secure a welterweight world title shot by the end of the year, and one of the boxer's on his list if WBC, WBA world champion Keith Thurman (28-0, 22 KOs).

He feels very confident in his ability to outbox Thurman over the distance.

"Definitely, that's something I really want. Keith Thurman has that one style that he waits a lot. A good boxer can always beat him and outbox him, because he's always looking for them big shots. If you don't let him settle down and throw those big shots then you can always box him and pick him off all the time," Khan told Sky Sports.

"He's a very good fighter, but you can always work out when he's going to throw a big bomb. You can always see it coming."

Thurman is slated to return on a date in April, with several names being kicked around as possible opponents.

Another fighter Khan is looking out for, is IBF world champion Errol Spence, who faces Khan-conqueror Lamont Peterson next Saturday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The British boxer is very impressed with Spence's boxing ability.

"I remember Errol being in the [London 2012] Olympics. He's strong, hits hard with both hands. You saw it when he fought Kell Brook, he was just putting a beating on him," Khan said.

"He matured in that fight. Took some good shots from Kell, but just kept mentally strong and knew that his time was going to come. Then broke down Kell and finished him off. Another good fighter."