Biggest prize in Amir Khan vs Kell Brook grudge match is already clear

The countdown is on for Amir Khan's grudge match against Kell Brook, bringing to a head a rivalry which has been brewing for over a decade.

Both fighters have clear disdain for each other, which they're not afraid to hide, with Brook accusing Khan of disrespect while the opposing view is that it's mere jealously.

It's something fans have wanted to see for years, with negotiations for a bout taking place in early 2017 but never materialising in a showdown - but now the wait is over.

Both are admittedly past their prime, with Brook entering the encounter having lost to Terence Crawford last year, while it's almost three years since Khan himself was in the ring.

In an age where exhibition fights are becoming a regular occurrence, with veteran fighters seeking one final payday, some may view this as a similar encounter - but that would be a naïve view.

Nor is it simply a bout that will bring an end to the rivalry between the pair as there's more on the line - with a win acting as a revival for whoever emerges triumphant, while the loser may see retirement rear its head.

Both had floated the prospect of this being their last time in the ring, although both have equally backtracked and spoken about a desire to continue.

Furthermore, future opponents have been forthcoming - with Connor Benn stating his desire to face the winner, while Chris Eubank Jr has also opened the door for a clash with the winner.

There's certainly an appetite for the fighters moving forward, shown by the remarkable sell-out of tickets for the bout and, in a huge year for British boxing up ahead, a victory would come at the perfect time to mark a revival.

Defeat, however, may be too difficult to come back from - particularly in the case of Khan who, with