Former world champion Amir Khan has publicly ended his long-running feud with Anthony Joshua, admitting that he was wrong to accuse the British heavyweight star of having an affair with his wife back in 2017. Nearly a decade after the explosive claims first surfaced, Khan has described the episode as a “sad mistake” and confirmed that the two fighters have since reconciled.
The controversy began in August 2017, when Khan, then in the midst of a highly publicised dispute with his wife Faryal Makhdoom, took to social media to allege that Joshua was romantically involved with her. The accusations quickly made headlines and sparked a rift between the fighters, despite Joshua’s immediate denial. The former unified heavyweight champion even posted humorously at the time to distance himself from the claims.
Khan, however, doubled down on his allegations at the time, fuelling further tension and drawing significant media attention. The bitter fallout threatened to overshadow his own career as he attempted to rebuild in the ring while navigating personal challenges outside it.
Now 37, Khan has moved to draw a line under the saga, acknowledging that his remarks were unfounded and apologising for dragging Joshua into his marital issues. “I take the blame for what was said. It was a sad mistake, and looking back, I can admit I was wrong,” Khan said, confirming that he and Joshua are now on good terms.
The reconciliation marks the end of one of British boxing’s most high-profile personal disputes, with both men choosing to put the incident behind them. While Joshua remains active in pursuit of regaining the heavyweight crown, Khan, who retired in 2022, says he is focused on family life and leaving past controversies in the past.
