Amir Khan’s Return, Stanionis Wants Jaron Ennis

Amir Khan could make a comeback to the sport of boxing. 

Khan’s last fight was a stoppage-loss to Kell Brook in the sixth round, as the former junior welterweight champion retired from the sport.

Although that may have been the case, his legacy in the aftermath was questioned, not just for the defeat.

Khan tested positive for Ostarine, which came out some time after the fight, as the substance has been known for promoting muscle growth. 

As such, Khan was given a two-year ban on the basis of strict liability even though he was retired. 

Khan’s Defence

“I’ve never cheated. But I’ve got a two-year ban now, which is quite strange and funny because I’m already retired anyway. There’s no comeback planned at all. But I’ve never cheated, and I never will. That’s just not something I would do,” Khan 

Therefore, if he were to come back, then questions remain in what capacity. Khan is at the age of 36 and well past his peak.

This would suggest that an exhibition would make more sense, rather than a full-time return to boxing. And by the looks of it, something big will be announced soon. 

Khan’s Announcement

“I think there’s gonna be a massive announcement in the next week or so. I might be coming back in the ring again. I might be fighting again. It’s not gonna be a small fight, it’ll be like a super fight as well.

“The deal was that big I couldn’t turn it down. So that’s why I’ll get myself back in the gym again, train again. It’ll be a massive fight. We’ve kept it very quiet at the moment,” Khan

Ultimately, Khan’s comments suggest that legacy is not on his mind. And given that he was a two-time junior welterweight champion, khan’s motivations may not be what they once were.

But if he does follow the blueprint of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquaio, then exhibition fights could follow with a handsome payday. Time will tell.

Eimantas Stanionis Vs. Jaron Ennis

One man who is willing to fight the best, though, is none other than Eimantas Stanionis. The former has welcomed the idea of facing Jaron Ennis next.

Stanionis’ career has been hit by major setbacks of late. His fight with Vergil Ortiz. Jr. had been canceled for a third time.

On the first occasion, they were meant to fight on March 18th, 2023. However, Stanionis’ emergency appendectomy ruled that out. A new date was set for April 29th, 2023. This time, Ortiz Jr. withdrew as a result of rhabdomyolysis.

And to top it all off, Ortiz Jr. pulled out of their July 8th, 2023, bout after he fainted and was hospitalized as he struggled to make weight limit of 147. 

In the aftermath, Stanionis hit out at Golden Boy Promotions for not doing enough to look after his welfare once it became clear that the fight was off. 

“I am very mad at Golden Boy, you know, because they treated us very terrible. They didn’t say what, when, how, when — basically let’s start from the scratch.

“From Wednesday we are flying from LAX, from Los Angeles airport to San Antonio and on the same flight we had people from Golden Boy, Golden Boy representatives. So they told us the same day we was supposed to do face off at Alamodome at 6 p.m., and they say ‘it’s canceled because Vergil got sick.

“I don’t respect Golden Boy, that’s for sure. I respect Vergil but I don’t respect Golden Boy. How they deal with us, there is no respect. It’s the worst organization, ever. So I don’t want to have any (involvement) and I want to say to the young fighters don’t sign with Golden Boy because if you lose, they’ll drop you like ASAP. It’s my opinion,” Stanionis

Ennis’ Form

Meanwhile, Ennis’ confidence is riding high. Ennis stopped Roiman Villa in his last fight in the tenth round to retain his IBF interim welterweight title.

The victory put Ennis in line to face the winner of Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford or become a full IBF champion if the winner vacated. 

And if a situation were to arise where Stanionis had a chance to face Ennis, he made it clear that he would take it with both hands. 

“Yes. I would fight anyone. I just want a good dance partner,” Stanionis

Stanionis has been inactive for around 15 months, which is why a bout is needed quite soon. But whether it is wise to jump in with a hungry and fresh Ennis is anyone’s guess.

Khan and Stanionis may be at different stages of their careers, but they have the chance to make their mark with some mega fights. And if those bouts do ended up materializing, then boxing fans will be in for a treat.

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