Boxing news: Amir Khan vs Kell Brook lined up for December by Eddie Hearn

AMIR KHAN versus Kell Brook could finally happen this year, promoter Eddie Hearn claimed, with both fighters due one more outing before the proposed domestic super-fight near the end of the year.

By George Mills

PUBLISHED: 14:39, Wed, May 30, 2018 | UPDATED: 14:47, Wed, May 30, 2018

Amir Khan and Kell Brook GETTY

Amir Khan could finally fight Kell Brook later this year, promoter Eddie Hearn claimed

Khan made a sensational winning comeback earlier this year, dispatching Phil Lo Greco inside a minute at Liverpool’s Echo Arena to brush off the cobwebs of a year’s absence from the sport in style.

A month earlier, Sheffield man Brook produced an equally blistering knockout of Sergei Rabchenko, overwhelming the Belorussian in two rounds on his debut at 154lb.

Speaking to Boxing Scene earlier today, Hearn, who now represents both former world champions, claimed the pair would need a final step up in competition this summer before meeting later this year.

Amir Khan GETTY

Khan knocked out Phil Lo Greco inside a minute earlier this year

"Amir needs rounds. If he's going to dive in to a Brook fight, or any big fight, he needs some rounds,” the 38-year-old said.

“So we need someone who's going to excite the fans and the public, and also give Amir Khan a solid test. Same for Brook as well."

Former IBF welterweight champion Brook has found himself unexpectedly back in the public eye in recent weeks after being named as the primary target for current unified super-welterweight champion Jarrett Hurd.

Kell Brook GETTY

Kell Brook debuted at 154lb in March, knocking out Sergei Rabchenko in two rounds

But Hurd, who holds the IBF and WBA straps at 154lb, might have to wait for his chance at Brook after Hearn claimed the Khan fight would take precedence.

"With Kell, he really likes the Jarrett Hurd fight. It's a very tough fight, it's a great fight, but I would like to see him have one more because he got a round and a half against Rabchenko,” Hearn added.

“He feels great at 154lbs. Jarrett Hurd is a huge super welterweight, and Kell is just a normal super welterweight. It's really taking another massive challenge and Jarrett Hurd, whilst he's a brilliant fighter, hasn't yet got the profile in the States for that to be a huge payday and obviously, the focus for Kell is Amir Khan.

“That's the one we want, everybody wants for December."