Amir Khan has hinted he is prepared to call time on his professional boxing career after he received a brutal beatdown from bitter rival Kell Brook in Manchester. The former unified light-welterweight world champion went out on his shield after being battered from pillar to post by Special K, who pulled off the win of his life to earn the all important bragging rights.
Khan was rocked in the first round but appeared to recover, despite failing to trouble his opponent.
Come Round 3, the 39-3 Yorkshireman looked to be just one punch from victory.
He continued to dish out punishment and the physical damage to Khan’s face was evident.
The referee then stepped in come Round 6 to protect the safety of ‘King’ – who was struggling to stay out of Brook’s clutches.
Now Khan has indicated he is likely to hang up his gloves after 40 professional fights, declaring he has fallen out of love with the sport.
He told Sky Sports: “I need to sit down with my family, but it is more towards the end of my career. The love of the sport isn’t there any more.
“That is a sign for me that I should maybe be calling it a day.”
A dark, lonely Sunday was set to await the loser of this fight and Khan did not make an attempt to hide his devastation at losing the fight of his life.
“I’m very upset. I just couldn’t get it going. I have fallen a little bit short,” he added.
“Obviously he was the best man today. I was catching Kell with some good shots, but I’m not blaming anyone.
“I had a great training camp but couldn’t get going. I was falling short and missing a lot. Kell was on his A-game today.”
Meanwhile, Brook has indicated he is potentially willing to fight on after Chris Eubank Jr declared his interest in a domestic dust-up.
Conor Benn could also enter the fray as he continues to eye world honours at welterweight.