"It’s going to be a glorified sparring session."
Amir Khan is reportedly set for a boxing comeback, however, his potential opponent is an unexpected one.
The British boxer retired in 2022 following a bitter loss to rival Kell Brook but he left the door open for a return.
In April 2023, Khan was hit with a two-year ban after it was revealed that he failed a drug test.
But that has not stopped him from trying to make a return to the sport.
The world of influencer boxing has quickly risen in popularity and it is reported that Khan personally reached out to social media star Adam Saleh to discuss a bout.
Due to Khan’s drug ban, it would likely be an exhibition bout with a target date believed to be in August or September 2023.
??Adam Saleh vs Amir Khan is officially in the works for August/September
Amir phoned Adam up a few days ago asking about the fight pic.twitter.com/jdLjiZQmae
— Fred Beck (@fredpdbeck) May 17, 2023
Saleh – who boasts 4.73 million YouTube subscribers – boxed as an amateur before finding fame on the internet.
He returned to boxing amid the rise of influencer bouts.
Saleh has had two professional bouts, with his last coming in Saudi Arabia in February 2023, winning by first-round stoppage.
The potential matchup was a shocker for many fans, who believe it would be a one-sided contest in favour of Amir Khan.
One user wrote: “Amir Khan wins easily.”
Another felt it would be like a sparring session for Khan, writing:
“It’s going to be a glorified sparring session.”
Others stated that the potential fight would be a mismatch, claiming that it will not end well for Saleh.
A user commented: “Adam Saleh is gonna get smoked.”
Another agreed: “Bro what, this is gonna be a beating.”
But some believed Saleh had an outside chance of winning, with one saying that it could increase his brand.
One person wrote: “If Adam somehow wins this he’s automatically top 3 influencers.”
Another believed that Khan’s suspect chin gives Saleh a chance, posting:
“Knowing that chin… Adam might have a chance.”
Meanwhile, Amir Khan is still serving his backdated ban having tested positive for Ostarine, which aids weight loss and muscle growth.
The substance is prohibited by United Kingdom Anti-Doping, who the 2004 Olympian co-operated with during their investigation.
UKAD confirmed Khan’s ban – after it was referred to the National Anti-Doping Panel – but he doubled down on unknowingly consuming the substance.
A statement read: “Mr Khan’s case was heard by the independent tribunal on 24 January 2023 and in its written decision dated 21 February 2023, the panel found both violations proved, concluded that Mr Khan had established that they were not ‘intentional’ within the meaning of ADR Article 10.2.3 and imposed a two-year ban on him.”
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