Kell Brook backs off on Khan challenge: 'I don't think it would be safe' for Amir

Kell Brook has taken back the immediate challenge he made late Saturday night, minutes after Amir Khan was knocked out by Canelo Alvarez, telling Sky Sports that it wouldn't be safe for Khan (31-4, 19 KO) to step right back into the ring and face someone like himself.

"I was watching it with a group of people and everyone wanted me to fight him, but I don't think it would be safe. I've watched the fight a few times now. It's not good taking those shots like he did."

Brook (36-0, 25 KO) did add some bravado, though, so it's hardly just concern:

"I'm not sure what Canelo weighed on the night but it was a lot bigger than Amir. He got knocked out in a really bad way. I punch just as hard as Canelo. It would just be a matter of time before the same thing happened."

The 30-year-old Brook holds the IBF welterweight title, and he and promoter Eddie Hearn thought they were close to a deal for a big fight with Khan before Amir signed to fight Canelo instead. Brook's title reign has been widely criticized after three fights against Jo Jo Dan, Frankie Gavin, and Kevin Bizier, none of whom were considered legitimate contenders, even though two of them were IBF mandatory challengers.

Brook says he's looking for a big fight next, perhaps against Danny Garcia or the winner of Keith Thurman vs Shawn Porter. Brook defeated Porter for the IBF belt in August 2014.