Amir Khan knocks out Lo Greco in 39 seconds on British return

LIVERPOOL, UK: Amir Khan´s first bout in a British ring for five years saw him knock out Canada´s Phil Lo Greco in a mere 39 seconds on Saturday.

The 31-year-old British boxer had not fought anywhere for two years since being beaten by Saul ´Canelo´ Alvarez in Las Vegas in May 2016.

And the 2004 Olympic silver medallist wasted little time in sending Lo Greco tumbling with a quick one-two punch combination inside the opening 30 seconds.

Khan then pinned Lo Greco to the ropes before the super-welterweight contest ended moments after it had started.

Victory left Khan on course for his long-awaited showdown with British rival Kell Brook, who was among those watching at ringside on Saturday.

"I have been out the ring for two years but I was still in the gym working hard, I have never taken a day off. I wanted to prove a point coming back -- I was trained to fight for 12 rounds, I had to make some changes and Phil lo Greco is a dangerous opponent," Khan told the BBC.

"Enjoy my victory. Khan´s back. I was a little nervous, but I am back with a big bang. I want to become a world champion this year or next year."

Khan, however, added: "I want to fight the best guys. If it means going up a division I will."

As for a bout with Brook, Khan, most famous recently for his ´jungle´ appearance in the British television show ´I´m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here´, said: "That fight is something I am not rushing and not running away from. I will fight Kell Brook and beat Kell Brook. Kell Brook has been living off my name for a long time. I am a stronger fighter, a better fighter.

"I´m not a fighter to run away."

But an unimpressed Brook said: "He doesn´t want the fight, he just ran off.

"Amir, all the fans want the fight, I want the fight, he can go in the jungle and chase stars but when he gets in there with me, I´ll make him see stars."