Amir Khan vs Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez: Kell Brook awaits Khan after admitting he will return to welterweight

Khan admitted he will return to welterweight while Canelo is lined up for a superfight with WBA and IBF middleweight world champion Gennady Golovkin

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Amir Khan admitted that he is likely to return to welterweight to open the door to a domestic bout with rival Kell Brook after suffering a devastating sixth-round knockout defeat by Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Khan had moved up to a 155lbs catchweight limit from his normal 147lbs mark, but the extra power showed in brutal fashion as Canelo sent Khan crashing to the canvas unconscious midway through the fight.

Khan needed lengthy treatment afterwards, but soon returned to his feet much to the relief of his fans as well as Alvarez, who showed a clear concern for his fallen opponent. And the Bolton boxer, who has won two world titles at lower weights during his career, admitted a return to welterweight is likely.

"I'm a natural 147 (pounds) fighter, but this challenge came and it was very hard to turn down," Khan told host American broadcasters HBO after his fourth career defeat in 35 bouts.

"I want to be the best, I want to fight the best and that's why I took this fight.

"I'm one of those fighters that will step in the ring with whoever.

"I showed my bravery by getting in the ring with Canelo, but this is boxing.

"I wanted to go out there as a champion.

"I was unfortunate that I didn't make it to the end, but I tried my best and I want to say thank you for the support.

"But I will probably go down to 147 now."

Khan's trainer Virgil Hunter called on Alvarez to fight the unbeaten Kazakhstani Gennady Golovkin, the current WBA and IBF world champion, and urged the Mexican to "quit hiding" from the man sitting at ringside and watching proceedings unfold.

"Amir gave up everything - no concessions," said Hunter. "Amir took the risk and set the tone, fighters should fight each other.

"Now it's time for him (Alvarez) to take the risk and quit hiding.

"He's got to quit hiding behind the flag and fight Triple G."


 Canelo is set to face Gennady Golovkin in his next match 
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Alvarez was delighted with his 47th victory – the 33rd to come by way of knockout – and he admitted that he always believed he would grow into the fight after a typically fast start from Khan.

"He was a very fast fighter and I knew things would be complicated at the beginning," said Alvarez.

"But I knew the time would come in my favour.

"Many people talk about my power but I've got many more qualities in the ring. People see that and that's what happened in the ring.

"Someone who comes in to box obviously gives you more trouble.

"But someone who comes in to press and attack you gives you the opportunity for a nice fight."


 Alvarez moves to a record of 47-1-1 with 33 knockout victories 
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Alvarez accepted the prospect of fighting Golovkin, who is currently ranked as the pound-for-pound king following Floyd Mayweather’s retirement, and he called out GGG to set up a potential superfight later this year.

"I invited him to come to the ring. We don't come to play in this sport, I fear no one in this sport.

"As I said in the last fight, I'll put on the gloves again right now."