Amir Khan reacts to Jake Paul 'leaking' KSI fight with famous Rocky IV quote as he plans to make boxing comeback

06/02/2024 07:23 AM

Amir Khan has called out both KSI and Jake Paul after his boxing comeback was ‘leaked’ by the American YouTuber.

‘King Khan’ is set to become the next retired professional pugilist to cross over to influencer boxing.

The Brit hung up his gloves in 2022 following a dominant stoppage defeat to Kell Brook.

But according to Paul, he is now being lined up for a fight with content creator KSI.

Taking to X, Paul wrote: “KSI vs. Amir Khan I f*** with. Good entertainment.”

There has been no official announcement regarding Khan’s return to the ring at the time of writing, although he has seemingly confirmed he will be fighting KSI next.

Channelling Rocky Balboa’s fierce rival Ivan Drago from the franchise’s iconic fourth film, Khan responded to Paul’s ‘leak’ on X by saying: “If he dies, he dies. Then f*** Jake Paul up.”

He then added: “Send contract or go back to Disney b****,” before insisting that “news is coming soon”.

Khan’s inevitable involvement in influencer boxing came to light last month when YouTuber-turned-boxer Slim Albaher revealed Misfits Boxing had offered the former Olympic silver medallist as his next opponent.

He posted online: “I was offered Amir Khan. One of the best fighters to lace up the gloves from the UK.

“They really doing anything they can to keep me away from KSI.”

Slim was told the winner between him and Khan would be guaranteed a fight with KSI, although it appears those plans have since changed.

KSI has had five professional fights (4-1) since turning over in 2019 with the sole blemish on his record coming against Tommy Fury in his last outing.

Khan is far more experienced than his fellow countryman with 40 pro fights to his name (34-6) although, as was clear in his swansong appearance versus Brook, he is a shadow of his former self at 37.

The former unified light-welterweight champion failed a drug test – taken on the night of the grudge match for the banned substance ostarine – and was handed a two-year ban by UK-Anti Doping (UKAD).

“Professional boxer and Olympic medallist Amir Khan has been banned from all sport for two years following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) for the presence and use of a Prohibited Substance,” a UKAD statement read.

“On 19 February 2022, UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) collected an In-Competition urine Sample from Mr Khan after his fight against Kell Brook at the Manchester Arena.

“Mr Khan's Sample returned an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for ostarine.”

Khan accepted the charges, but maintains that he did not intentionally digest the banned substance.