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Two time former world boxing champion, Amir Khan has entered MMA business with India-based Super Fight League (SFL). He has purchased an undisclosed stake in SFL International with an intention of promoting the sport all around the world.
SFL was founded in 2012 and has promoted 41 live events -five of which were in U.S. -within the last 10 months.
This deal was made possible due to the acquaintance of SFL CEO Bill Dosanjh with Khan and also due to Khan’s secondary passion in MMA. Khan was also previously seen in SFL 38-India vs. Pakistan event held at Dubai.
To expand the roots of SFL all around the world (especially U.S.), the 28-year old boxer aims at promotion via big television companies. This deal will be announced soon.
"We're looking at taking this all around the world," Khan told ESPN.com. "Live events in Dubai and the U.S. as well. We're in talks with some big TV companies in the U.S. and hoping to break into the market in 2016.
"I've made an investment with SFL because I really do believe in it. Obviously, we have things to do yet, but once we crack into the American market and give them a taste of what we do -- this is the fastest growing sport in the world. It definitely gives boxing a good run for its money. One reason I've become a big fan of MMA is I've spent more time in America and it's always on TV. I think within the next couple years, it's only going to get bigger,” said Khan.
Khan also foresees his personal benefits on the athletic side as well. He said that, “I don't think I'll ever be in the cage fighting, but I think being around the fighters and events will definitely be part of my involvement. My name is getting bigger in America, and I also think being involved with this will help my brand.
I think it could even help my boxing career. Sometimes you get into grappling in the boxing ring. You have to know how to survive and how to break away from those holds, so working with MMA fighters I think will help me as well.”
(Source: espn)
