Amir Khan says rejecting Brook for Crawford was ‘hardest decision of life’.. and claims Brit pair still might meet
Ace snubbed chance of all-British clash which public have been demanding in order to challenge American for WBO title
AMIR KHAN says rejecting Kell Brook for a shot at pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford's world title was one of the hardest decisions of his career.
The Bolton ace linked up with Brook’s long-time promoter Eddie Hearn last year and was expected to meet the Sheffield ace this summer in an eagerly awaited Battle of Britain.
But he has left 32-year-old former IBF welterweight champ high and dry for a shot at America’s WBO boss on April 20.
But he insists the all-British grudge bout is NOT dead in the water and could be revisited after his US trip.
King Khan, 32, said: “The decision about fighting Brook or Crawford has been one of the most difficult decisions of my career to date.
“Clearly the UK fans want to see Khan vs Brook, but I could not turn down the opportunity to fight for the WBO title.
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“That is not to say that the Brook fight won't happen, as I want that fight to happen as soon as possible.
“Fighting a world champion won't be easy, but this is exactly the challenge I need at this stage of my career.”
Undefeated switch-hitter Crawford has titles in three weight classes and is expected to steamroll the I’m A Celebrity star.
But Khan insists he sees chinks in Bud’s awesome repertoire, saying: “I am fully motivated and ready for the best training camp of my life.
“Crawford is beatable, and I want that title. It's going to be one hell of a fight.”
Crawford knows fight fans think Khan is an easy touch for him, but the Omaha ace has vowed not to get complacent against the former light-welterweight champ.
The pitbull-loving chess master said: “It's always been my goal to fight the best fighters out there and I look at Amir as one of the top fighters in my division.
“I know some people are writing him off but I am by no means overlooking him.
“He's a former unified world champion and come April 20, I'll be looking to go out there to seek and destroy.
“I'm excited about this fight because I believe it can push my career to another level.”