Amir Khan has confirmed he will move back down to welterweight after suffering a devastating knockout at the hands of Saul Alvarez.
The 29-year-old was taken to hospital after being blown away in six rounds at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
Khan jumped up two weight classes for the biggest fight of his career – but simply couldn’t handle the raw power of the WBC middleweight champion.
He will now continue his pursuit of a world title at a more natural 147lbs.
He said: “I tried as much as I could and trained very hard for this fight. Unfortunately, I didn?t get the result I wanted.
“Although I feel strong at this weight, I am naturally a lighter fighter and plan to go back down to welterweight.
Khan lay motionless after his sixth round KO
“But, I like to challenge myself and that is why I took this fight. I want to be the best, and to be the best I have to fight the best.?
Khan was the rank outsider going into the fight – and Canelo’s status as overwhelming favourite was justified when he landed the right hand that ended the contest in such brutal fashion.
The Mexican later revealed he was concerned for the welfare of his rival as he lay motionless on the canvas.
Canelo ‘didn’t want to hurt’ Khan
?You want to win by knockout, but never want to really hurt anybody,? he said. ?It?s a sport.
?It was my human reaction. I wanted to make sure he was okay.
?You never want to hurt anyone so they are injured.?
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya is convinced Khan can come back from the defeat.
He said: ?I always said he is one of the bravest fighters on the planet today.
?He is willing to be great, he didn?t lose anything tonight, he won everything.
?He is going to come back. Probably fight against 154lb or 147lb, he looked really big so I don?t know if he can go down to 147.
?I think he can beat anyone at 147 or 154. Amir Khan, there is no shame in his performance.”
