Eddie Hearn insists Amir Khan’s potentially lucrative Saudi Arabia bout will not impact on a fight with Kell Brook. 

A domestic clash with his long-time rival looked like the most likely next move for the Bolton star after his defeat to WBO World welterweight champion Terence Crawford in April. 

But reports have emerged that the 32-year-old is set for a £7 million payday for an exhibition bout in the Middle East on July 27. 

Hearn, who promotes both men, has confirmed discussions about a Saudi Arabia fight are on-going but remains confident that Khan’s meeting with Brook will finally happen this year. 

“There are some talks about a potential fight in Saudi Arabia. I’m involved in them but nothing is confirmed yet,” Hearn told Behind the Gloves. 

“There is potential for a July fight in Saudi. 

“Kell’s not looking to fight until September so it doesn’t really affect anything in that respect. 

“We’ll see what happens over the next few days.”

The Daily Mail reports that Khan will take on Indian mixed martial arts fighter turned boxer Neeraj Goyat in the headline fight of a India vs Pakistan boxing event. 

The contest would not be recorded on the former Olympic silver medallist’s boxing record, Khan having won 33 fights and lost five in a 14-year career. 

Many have called for him to hang up the gloves after his bizarre defeat to Crawford, trainer Virgil Hunter pulling his man out of the fight after a low blow in the sixth round. 

Pound-for-pound star Crawford has now won all of his 35 bouts and is looking for his next challenge which Hearn admits could be Brook, the former IBF champion at 147lb. 

“We’re open to that fight and Top Rank (Crawford’s promoters) know we want that fight,” the Matchroom Boxing chief said. 

“For now he’s training away, he’s back in the gym. 

“I still want to push for the Khan fight and the Saudi fight doesn’t affect the potential Brook fight.”

Khan’s likely opponent Goyat has won 11 of his 16 fights, his last two coming in Canada. 

The 27-year-old has also fought in his homeland, Mexico, Japan and China and is ranked as the No.1 welterweight in India. 
The event has been compared to when Floyd Mayweather defeated Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa. 

The boxing great dispatched of the 20-year-old in just 140 seconds in Tokyo back in December, netting himself at least $9 million.