Khan vs Brook LIVE: Latest updates and reaction to fight tonight
The British rivals finally clash in a grudge match that is more than a decade in the making
There has been a lot of talking and more than a decade of waiting, but finally Amir Khan and Kell Brook will settle their rivalry in the ring this evening as the British pair go head-to-head in a main-event bout at the AO Arena in Manchester.
The former champions have known each other since their teenage days, even before Khan announced himself to the world as Team GB’s youngest ever boxing medalist at the 2004 Olympics. The Bolton-born fighter and rival Brook, representing Sheffield, both went on to win world titles, with Khan also competing in major fights in the United States. Despite the now-35-year-olds’ strong dislike for one another and a long-standing demand from fans for the fighters to settle their differences between the ropes, a bout has eluded the competitors and their followers until now.
Tonight, Khan and Brook face off in a catchweight bout at 149lbs, with the opponents having traded harsh words this week at a fiery press conference and heated weigh-in. “I’m worried about a few things. I’m worried about Kell’s health after the beating I’m gonna be giving him,” Khan said on Thursday. Brook retorted: “He’s definitely gonna sleep Saturday night when I smash him in. He’s going on his face or his back, one of the two.” On the undercard, heavyweight Frazer Clarke makes his professional debut following his medal-winning venture for Team GB at last summer’s Tokyo Olympics, and Natasha Jonas makes her third attempt at becoming a world champion.
Follow live updates and all the latest results from Khan vs Brook and the entire undercard, below.
Noel Gallagher on Khan vs Brook
Noel Gallagher: "Very excited, I just checked into my hotel and Kell is staying in the room next door, so I'm going for Brook, just.
“He didn’t say much, he was in bed, he said thanks for coming, he's in good spirits.
“It's always great here in Manchester. I've seen some good fights with Ricky here. It’s going to be good.”
Kell Brook’s final thoughts before Amir Khan fight
Brook: “Worth the wait, it’s real. In the changing room, hand wraps, music on.
“The fights on out there. It’s a matter of time, I’m out at 20 past 10 I think.
“It’s a fight, I have to keep it all reserved. Do what we’re supposed to do. Don’t use my emotions too much.
“Follow the plan and it’ll come off. He will respect me tonight.
“I’ve no doubt about it. He goes on his face or back, I’m going to knock him out, you don’t get paid for overtime.
“I’m going to box clever, box sharp. Without looking for it, it will come.”
Hassan Azim reacts to victory on Khan vs Brook undercard
Hassan Azim: “He’s very tough, very durable. He said I nearly wobbled him.
“It’s not always about the stoppage. When I hurt somebody I stay back, but I should put the pressure on.
“Amir Khan all the way, he’s going to win, just watch.”
Khan vs Brook undercard: Hassan Azim outpoints MJ Hall in second pro fight
Hassan Azim picks up his second win as a professional 40-36 over MJ Hall.
The journeyman was spot on tonight in spoiling and surviving. He goes the distance and there’s respect at the end between both men.
Khan vs Brook undercard: Hassan Azim faces MJ Hall in second pro fight
Hassan Azim already landing a big right on MJ Hall in just his second pro fight.
A difference in styles to Adam.
Adam Azim celebrates win on Amir Khan vs Kell Brook undercard
Adam Azim tips Amir Khan to beat Kell Brook by knockout
"My brother [Hassan] is ready to go. Azim brothers are ready to go. I'm going with my boy Amir Khan, he's going to win by knockout.”
Adam Azim reacts to big knockout on Khan vs Brook undercard
Azim: “The first two rounds I was getting into it. Shane said relax.
“I saw the shot was coming. It’s amazing, one of the best feelings in my life.
“It means so much to me.”
McGuigan: “He was a little bit eager, but once he settled down, he showed what we see in the gym.
“Amazing IQ. You’ll see the best Azim when people come to fight. He’s a natural counter-puncher.
“I think we’re looking at titles by the end of the year.”
Khan vs Brook undercard result: Adam Azim delivers spectacular knockout
Jordan Ellison has been destroyed by Adam Azim, that is a sickening knockout.
The replay shows that Azim’s shot lands on the glove, but there’s immense power that penetrates right through.
A backflip to celebrate, what a talent, the 19-year-old has a massive future.
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