AMIR Khan says he will not box until fans are allowed back in arenas – fearing the potential health consequences of returning to action too soon.

Bolton’s former unified world super-lightweight champion was targeting a return to the ring for his 40th professional fight in the late summer.

And the British Boxing Board of Control have released their guidelines for potential behind closed doors events as early as July with all sports trying to navigate a way through the coronavirus pandemic.

Restrictions could include fighters wearing masks on their ring walks and a ban on spit buckets used in corners between rounds.

But Khan, who last fought with victory over Billy Dib in Saudi Arabia in July 2019, has no interest in returning until things are back to some sort of normality.

"Even though there is big money I wouldn't be able to do it as I need the fanbase there," the 33-year-old told BBC Sport.

"I've got three kids. I do so much in the sport already and I feel I'd rather be 100 per cent sure before I jump back in."

"I don't want to get sick. I've had a great career. Do I really need to risk it and see what's going to happen?

“I'd rather hold back a little bit and see what the situation is like."

Khan believes only big money could tempt the sport’s top names to return to fight in empty venues.

"I just feel that for a boxer to walk into an arena and walk into a fight having no fans in an empty stadium it's going to be like walking into a sparring session so I can't really see that working," he said.

"It's hard to lift yourself really and get yourself ready for a fight. I can't see the big names doing that unless there's ridiculous money from the TV company on the table. You need the audience there to lift your spirits."