Bolton star Amir Khan has stepped away from the mindset of immediate retirement from the sport in the aftermath of the upcoming showdown with career rival Kell Brook.

Khan, fighting for the first time since July of 2019, will enter the ring on Saturday night against Brook at Manchester Arena.

A months ago, the 35-year-old Khan mentioned the possibility of retirement.

After spending time in camp with veteran coach Brian 'Bomac' McIntyre and WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford, Khan is now open to the idea of pushing his career forward.

“After Sunday? Career still going strong. I'm still fighting. I feel better at 35 than I was at 25, believe it or not. I feel so strong, so fresh. I've got that love back for the sport again. Training with the new team in Nebraska, they've brought the love back for me. I'm really excited to see what the future holds," Khan told BBC Breakfast.

Khan and Brook have been trading words for several years.

There are many observers who felt the contest was way, way past its expiration date - but once tickets went on sale the entire venue sold out in 10 minutes.

Khan admits there is a lot of pressure in facing such a longtime rival like Brook. Both boxers have promised to close the show by knockout.

“It shows how much impact this fight has and the demand - people want to see this fight. We don't like each other, everyone sees that. I cannot lose against someone like Kell Brook," Khan said.

“It would be very upsetting in my career if I lost to Kell Brook. That's why going into this fight we had to be 100 percent ready and we have to beat this guy in good fashion.”