Khan ‘rolling dice’ as promoter with Nigeria fight night

Amir Khan, the British boxing legend who retired in 2022 after a storied career, is now embarking on a new chapter as a boxing promoter. Known for his Olympic silver medal at 17, unified world titles, and unforgettable bouts with fighters like Marcos Maidana and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, Khan is shifting his focus from the ring to the boardroom. His latest venture, ‘Chaos in the Ring,’ marks the first time top-tier professional boxing will be held in Nigeria, coinciding with the country’s Independence Day celebrations in Lagos. The event, promoted by Khan’s AK Promotions in partnership with Balmoral Group Promotions, aims to bring the excitement of boxing to an untapped market in Africa. The main event features a cruiserweight clash between Brandon Glanton and Marcus Browne, while British light-heavyweight Dan Azeez fulfills a personal dream by fighting on Nigerian soil. Khan, who has previously organized a successful event in Ghana, believes Lagos will be an even bigger success. ‘I’m still new to the game, but I want to learn quick and move quick,’ Khan told BBC Sport from his home in Dubai. ‘Why Africa? I think it’s an untouched market.’ Khan’s promotion strategy also emphasizes reconnecting fighters with their roots, as seen with Londoner Ohara Davies boxing in Ghana earlier this year. While Khan never had the chance to fight in Pakistan, his heritage has always been a source of pride and connection with fans in South Asia. Transitioning into promotion has been a learning curve for Khan, who likens the negotiation process to a game of chess. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic, drawing on his own experiences as a fighter to build trust with athletes. ‘I’m not expecting to make anything in the next couple of years as a promoter,’ Khan said. ‘I’m happy to roll the dice because I want to learn the trade as I go.’ Khan’s long-term vision includes expanding the sport in Africa and the Middle East before re-entering the UK market. He also dreams of staging fights in Saudi Arabia as part of the lucrative Riyadh Season. However, he acknowledges the need for support from broadcasters, co-promoters, and former allies. ‘I made them millions, let’s see if they do the same for me now,’ he added. While Khan officially retired after his defeat to Kell Brook in 2022, he admits that a comeback could be tempting if a fight with Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather materializes. ‘The only fight I’d come back for is a Manny Pacquiao or a Floyd Mayweather fight,’ Khan said. ‘If it happens, it happens. I’d love to take it.’ Though a return to the ring seems unlikely, Khan is determined to create a legacy outside of it, proving that his impact on boxing extends far beyond his days as a champion.