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Amir Khan’s British homecoming fight will be live on Sky Sports after he signed a deal with Matchroom Boxing.
The 31-year-old former world champion will end an absence of almost two years when he returns to the ring at The Echo Arena, Liverpool, on April 21, with an opponent to be announced.
Khan has linked up with promoter Eddie Hearn on a three-fight deal and is targeting another world title.
Amir Khan Khan said: “I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Matchroom. This decision is not one I’ve taken lightly, as I’m at a hugely important time in my career, but having spoken to Eddie at length, it was clear he and I were on the same page in terms of what I want to be doing and what I still want to achieve.
“I’m determined to win another world championship and I’m confident I’ve got the right team behind me to help me do so.
“Just as important a factor was the opportunity to fight in the UK for the first time in five years, and to do so with the support of the British fans and Sky Sports behind me. British boxing is in such a good place and I genuinely can’t wait to get back in that ring with the incredible home support behind me.
“I’ve been out of the ring for too long, and I’m desperate to make up for lost time, starting in April.
Khan previously held the WBA and IBF belts during a successful spell at super-welterweight, including wins over Paulie Malignaggi, Zab Judah and Marcos Maidana.
He spent time away from the sport, including appearing on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, after suffering defeat in an audacious attempt to defeat Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez for the WBC middleweight title in May 2016, but is expected to drop down to welterweight for his return to the ring.
Headlining in Liverpool will see Khan back British soil for the first time since he boxed in Kell Brook’s hometown, Sheffield, in April 2013.
Hearn said: “I am delighted to welcome former unified world champion Amir Khan to the Matchroom Boxing and Sky Sports Boxing team. Amir is one of the biggest names in the sport of boxing and his return on April 21 in Liverpool will be the first time he has boxed in the UK in five years.
“The plan is to box in April and then again in August or September in preparation for a super fight in winter 2018. The target is to provide him with the biggest fights possible, of course a British mega-fight with Kell Brook is top of that list along with the likes of Manny Pacquiao, Keith Thurman and Errol Spence Jr. I’m excited to get started and looking forward to a huge night of boxing on April 21 in Liverpool.”
Adam Smith, Sky Sports’ Head of Boxing said: “It’s great news to have Amir back on our screens. He is one of those sports stars that grabs a wider audience than others and we all know he’s always in exciting fights.
“There’ll be even more eyes on him following his stint in the jungle and it is not only wonderful having him back on Sky Sports, but seeing him box back in Britain for the first time in five years, will be special.
“Will King Khan rule the world again? We’ll find out!”