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Canelo v Khan: Amir brutally knocked out in sixth round by dominant Mexican who retains WBC world middleweight title

Bolton boxer hit with booming right hand after suffering cut to his eye

By GAVIN GLICKSMAN in Las Vegas
8th May 2016, 6:32 am
Updated: 19th May 2016, 4:32 am

AMIR KHAN was knocked out by a bone-crunching right hand to the chin as Saul
Alvarez retained the WBC world middleweight title.

Billed as a battle of speed against power, Khan had vowed to pull off one of
boxing’s biggest upsets by toppling the Mexican at the new T-Mobile Arena.

But his challenge came to a shuddering halt as Alvarez clocked him with a
booming shot to finish the fight 23 seconds before the end of round six.

Saul Alvarez took six rounds to knock out Amir Khan and defend his world title
Reuters

Khan's team rushed to his side after being floored by the Mexican
Getty Images

Khan’s team and ringside officials quickly surrounded him, while the champion
also briefly knelt by his side as the Brit was attended to.

It took time before he was back on his feet but thankfully appeared to be fine
as Alvarez called out fellow champ Gennady Golovkin, who had watched the
action from ringside.

Alvarez, 25, said: “I invited Golovkin to come to the ring. We don’t f***
around, I don’t fear anyone! I fear no one in this sport.

“Many people focus on my power, but I’ve got many more qualities in the ring.
I like to surprise everyone.”

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Khan landed a few blows of his own in the early stages of the match
Getty Images

Khan brushed off a few earlier scares but could not handle the power of Canelo
Getty Images

Khan, who stepped up from welterweight for the bout, added: “I showed my balls
by getting in the ring with a big guy. I tried my best.”

The gutsy challenger had landed an early right hand to excite his travelling
fans and a combo got them on their feet once again as he opened with an
encouraging first round.

Alvarez began to look for the power punches in round two but Khan’s fast hands
and movement kept him at bay, although the champion did land a stiff right
at close range.

The contest was waved off by the referee as Canelo retained his world title
Reuters

Canelo called out Gennady Golovkin, who had watched the action from ringside
Usa Today Sports

The Mexican scored with a powerful right in the third as he closed down his
man — only for the challenger to later suggest the blows were not hurting
him as he looked to stay out of trouble.

Alvarez’s single shots continued to connect in the following session but Khan,
29, kept moving, getting his punches off and then gliding out of range.

With the title-holder marching forward, Bolton’s finest was cut around his
right eye in the fifth round.

Khan was caught with a crunching left in the sixth as Alvarez attempted to
assert his authority and he was left motionless on the canvas by a massive
right hand.