Phil Lo Greco has warned Amir Khan to start considering a life outside boxing as he plans to end the former world champion’s remaining ambitions in the sport.
The British fighter ends an absence of almost two years from the ring by facing Lo Greco in Liverpool this Saturday night, live on Sky Sports, and long-term rival Kell Brook is expected to be watching at The Echo Arena.
But Lo Greco believes Khan still has mental scars from his last fight, a knockout loss to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, and intends to inflict an upset defeat that will send the 31-year-old into retirement.
Asked if Khan is under pressure, Lo Greco told Sky Sports News: “I think so, of course. Why wouldn’t there be?
“His last fight, he got seriously hurt, he’s been out for two years. I know mentally he’s not stable. Physically he’s god-gifted, but at this stage once you pass your 30s and you’re not mentally right up here, it doesn’t matter how gifted you are physically – this isn’t going to work out.
“He’s done great for boxing, he’s done great for British boxing, but his time is up. Like I kept saying in the last press conference, it’s like ‘Streetfighter’ the video game, you run out of lives.
“He’s run out of lives and I think he knows that, but athletes they have a tendency to lie to themselves, thinking ‘I’ve got one more.’ Sugar Ray Leonard did it, Sugar Ray Robinson did it, [Muhammad] Ali, where they lie: ‘No, I’ve got one more in me’.
“I think he should focus more on his health, than worry about his wealth. He’s made a lot of money. Be happy, be a family man, enjoy your life. This is my time, absolutely.”
After an 11-week training camp, Lo Greco insists he is in peak condition, and wants to make Khan regret his decision to pick him as a comeback opponent.
“I’m physically, mentally ready for this,” he said. “I’ve asked for it, they delivered it, and now I’m going to deliver myself.
“I lost a lot of weight. Obviously seeing how I looked at the press conference to now, so therefore if you need weight loss tips, hit me up.”
