Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez insists he is ready to bow to public demand and fight Gennady Golovkin after defending his WBC middleweight title with a chilling sixth round knockout of Amir Khan.
The 25-year-old Mexican dropped Khan with a massive right – fired clinically over the top of a passive left jab – to send the British fighter to the canvas with 23 seconds remaining in the round at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
Already unconscious, the back of Khan’s head thudded sickeningly off the deck, prompting an anxious Canelo to kneel by his side and his corner to rush to his aid as he lay motionless for a couple of minutes before being helped to his feet.
Khan’s speed and movement had made the early going tough for Alvarez but the outcome was predictable given the disparity in size and punching power.
The 29-year-old Khan was effectively jumping up two weight divisions and, as expected, Canelo’s obvious physical advantages proved insurmountable.
Alvarez is now mandated to defend his WBC title against the dangerous and often avoided Golovkin, who holds both the WBA and IBF versions of the 160lb championship. The Kazakh was watching from close quarters and was gestured into the ring by the victorious Canelo who, in contrast to his pre-fight remarks, willingly talked up a potential showdown.
Massive respect to @amirkingkhan for taking a very dangerous fight,
— Gypsy King (@Tyson_Fury) May 8, 2016
Proper fighting man, welldone Amir,??
“I’m not in this sport because I’m afraid. I’m not afraid of anyone, I’m willing to fight any time,” he said. “I invited (Golovkin) in (to the ring) to prove I’m not afraid. We can fight for no belts, we can fight for honour and pride. We talked a little bit before (fighting Khan) and are willing to make (Golovkin) an offer.”
Of his victory, Alvarez, who chalked up his 47th win, with one loss and a draw, said: “It was a little difficult at first, but I knew that I just had to keep to my game plan, and keep feinting, and that’s what opened up that (knockout) punch.”
Khan had begun brightly, even landing a clean overhand right in the opening session to signal his intentions. Alvarez didn’t move but it was indicative of a fearless start by the Brit, who claimed the opening two rounds.
Canelo, however, warmed to his task, finding both his range and timing as he got a read on Khan. The warning signs were there in the fifth as a series of right hands to the body slowed down his movement before a left hook stopped him in his tracks.
Not many fighters out there like @Canelo thank you for the opportunity, and all the best for the future champ pic.twitter.com/Gi9XQiP4i8
— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) May 8, 2016
By the time he headed back to his corner, Khan was cut and beginning to wilt under some heavy attacks.
He knew he had to fight a perfect fight and that any mistakes would be ruthlessly punished, and so it proved in the sixth. A weak left lead briefly left his chin exposed and Canelo countered viciously and decisively. It was a big ask for Khan, way too big as it happened.
“I’m a natural 147 (pounds) fighter,” he told American broadcasters HBO after he had recovered, having spent a worryingly long time on his back before returning to his feet. “But this challenge came and it was very hard to turn down.
“I want to be the best, I want to fight the best and that’s why I took this fight. 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. I will probably go down to 147 now.”
