Former light welterweight world champion Amir Khan has expressed confidence in making a comeback this year after fully recovering from his hand injury.
The 31-year old last fought a professional bout in May 2017 in which he moved up to a catch-weight of 155-pounds and was knocked out by then WBC middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Earlier this year, Khan had reached a deal to fight Manny Pacquiao on a date in April - but the contest fell apart after the investors were unable to cough up the promised funds to stage the event.
Last year, Khan underwent surgery on his right hand to overcome an injury which he was, reportedly, carrying for years.
Talking to an overseas news channel in the UAE, he said - “I am 100 percent ready after the operation.”
“I am training hard and focused. After a year out of the ring, I want to show the world that I belong to the top.”
The British Pakistani boxer indicated that he was hoping to face Lamont Peterson at the end of year in a rematch. Peterson had last defeated Khan when both fought for Super Lightweight championship in 2011.
But that rematch won't happen, at least this year, because Peterson has already finalized a deal to fight IBF world champion Errol Spence on a date in January.
Amir has a record of 31-4 of total 35 professional bouts he fought, and he’s aiming to make a comeback on a victorious note. He wants to get himself in position to fight for another world title by the end of next year.
“In sha Allah in 2018, I will win my fourth world championship title,” he said.
On Monday, Khan once again called for a showdown with five division world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. - who retired last month after knocking out UFC superstar Conor McGregor. Khan has been trying to get Mayweather in the ring for several years without much success.
