Amir Khan: It Would Be Very Hard To Get Motivated With No Fans

Former world champion Amir Khan admits that it would be very tough to perform without fans in attendance.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, boxing is going to return in most areas in a closed doors setting.

There are many boxers, even those on the world stage, who are willing to get back to work with no fans present - but Khan is not one of them.

"It would be hard to motivate yourself in a fight behind closed doors and no fans there. We are prizefighters we want to put a showcase on with our fans. We want to electrify a crowd," Khan said to Sky Sports.

"You want to see thousands of people with their eyes fixed on you. That is what motivates you and inspires you for more big fights. For me to walk into a ring with no fans, it would be very hard to motivate yourself. For some fighters might be different, it would be very difficult for me. I couldn't switch myself on."

Most promoters are targeting the month of July for boxing's return.

Khan cautions that every promoter must be prepared to make the best fights possible - because the UFC is going to start very fast in the coming weeks with loaded events behind closed doors.

"Once this pandemic is over, I think, when boxing starts again, we need to put the big fights on straight away to get the fans back into boxing," Khan said.

"We are up against other sports, MMA and UFC. They are having the best fights. The best are fighting the best. Boxing isn't doing that. The best aren't fighting the best and that is why the sport isn't doing that well.

"I feel once this pandemic is over, if we put on some big events, some big shows, then boxing will be back at the top again. I really believe in boxing but at this moment in time big fights need to be made."