Kell Brook stunningly defeated Amir Khan in the sixth round, with the referee stopping the contest, to settle one of the longest and bitterest feuds in boxing.
A packed Manchester Arena saw a job of destruction from Sheffield’s Brook, 35, who showed time and strength to win in an emphatic way.
A fight that’s been going on for more than 17 years – with two former world champions having trades but never fighting – ended with Khan and Brook hugging.
The thrilling encounter could mark the end of both men’s fighting careers, with Brook admitting that, although he feels he has returned to his top form, retirement is what he is. he thought.
“I can live peacefully with Amir Khan on my profile,” says Brook. “My sect is back and I love this game. We’ll listen to our loved ones and watch, but I’m back, baby.
“I can walk away but I can fight [Chris] Eubank [Jr]. I don’t like Eubank. If the fight is right, I will fight – I am a prize gladiator. “
Khan, also 35, admitted he struggled to bounce back in the game after his sixth defeat of his career.
“Forty matches is a lot of battle. Win two world titles, go to America… I need to sit down with my family, but that’s more towards the end of my career,” he said.
“That love of sport is gone. When I was in the ring (before) I had that excitement, but I don’t have it. I feel pretty good and maybe that’s the sign I should call.” it’s a day.”
Barnstormer from the first bell
The showdown could have taken place with both boxers in the twilight of their careers, but a rabid crowd of more than 22,000 – including former Oasis frontman Noel Gallagher and Manchester City’s Jack Grealish – did shows how much Khan and Brook are still tied.
Brook seemed focused as he stepped onto the ring to Kanye West’s ‘All of the Lights’, his signature input almost drowned out by the boos of the crowd.
Khan – wearing a white and gold cape – looked a bit more comfortable walking on his ring, accompanied by steady friend, former rival and reigning world champion Terence Crawford.
Khan and Brook stared at each other for the final seconds before the first bell rang and after all the waiting, there was no caution from either boxer as the fan was treated to a Thrilling opening half.
Khan showed he still had a quick pace in his arsenal with quick synergies in the first half.
But Brook continued to track his opponent in the ring and caught Khan with a blow that staggered Bolton. Khan then stood on unsteady legs towards the end of the round.
Referee steps in to save Khan
Rounds two, three and four follow a similar pattern. Khan will start well, quickly breaking out of zones, launching punches and jabs, causing his opponents to miss and sometimes connect with a single hit.
But Brook’s relentless brutal assault continued into the fifth round. He was dragging a Khan – who seemed to have lost defense and hand speed – around the ring like a rag doll.
It was a one-way traffic now and in the sixth inning the two top right lanes followed by a left hook line – all connected – forcing referee Victor Loughlin to intervene.
Should Khan and Brook hang up their gloves?
Kal Sajad, BBC Sport at Manchester Arena
While defeat to the bitterest opponent would be a hard pill to swallow, it shouldn’t define a career that he, his loved ones and boxing fans can enjoy. proud.
His defeats to Breidis Prescott, Danny Garcia and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez – all nasty, stomach-churning knockouts – often put Khan, and his supposedly fragile chin, into the air. laughs for boxing fans.
But his talent, achievement and impact on the sport surpasses most boxers ever crowned.
Khan was a torch-bearer for Team GB’s boxing team at the 2004 Olympics, winning a silver medal in Athens.
He is the boxer who paved the way for future Olympic stars like Anthony Joshua, Nicola Adams and James DeGale.
And he’s a boxer who, after stepping into the limelight of professional boxing at just 17 years old, has defeated quality champions like Marcos Maidana, Zab Judah and Devon Alexander and become the champion. united world enemy.
While some of his losses come in a brutal fashion, it’s that exact flaw that’s excites boxing fans around the world for the past 18 years.
For Brook, high-altitude retirement could be a pleasant way to leave such a grueling sport, but he has previously suggested that he take his time before confirming his next move. mine.
If he hangs up his gloves, he can also leave the sport with his head held high. While Khan is often praised for never rising to the challenge, Brook has also dared to be great.
In 2014, he beat him to the champion’s home city when he beat American Shawn Porter by points in California to become the IBF weight class champion.
Brook also rose in the weight category when he lost to fierce fighter Gennady Golovkin of Kazakhstan, and eight months later was defeated by heavyweight star Errol Spence Jr.
If Brook continues, he won’t be short of options and leading the pack could be a blockbuster showdown between Brook and Chris Eubank Jr, one capable of capturing the imaginations of even rights enthusiasts. him and the average boxing fan.
