Canelo vs Khan was a lot more competitive than originally perceived, but did ultimately end with a heavy knockout defeat for Amir Khan in the 6th round. Canelo, who has now supposedly set up a mouth-watering showdown with Gennady Golovkin for later this year, improves to 47 wins, 1 defeat, 1 draw, 33 knockouts, while Khan reduces to 31 wins, 4 defeats, 19 knockouts.
Khan got off to a fantastic start, claiming the early rounds (1-4 here at BB) thanks to fleet-footedness, short, controlled combinations, and keeping his stronger opponent at bay. Canelo, who defended his WBC Middleweight title for the first time, became clearly frustrated as he was repeatedly peppered by Khan’s shots, but started to find his range in the 5th. A full-blooded left hook cut Khan above the right eye, with solid shots downstairs also registering with the challenger.
Many had forecasted a counter blow shattering Khan, and it was to be an overhand right that ended the former champ’s ambitions in the 6th. The one-punch knockout was one of the most sickeningly sweet endings you’ll ever see in a boxing ring, and certainly one of the most devastating of 2016. For the record, this was a hellacious punch that would have taken out any fighter – or elephant – no matter the weight.
It was true tonight that a ‘good big man beats a good small one’, but Khan should be praised for his inspirational effort. And since everyone expected this outcome, you have to wonder if Khan’s stock will have actually fallen at all going forward. Post fight, Khan suggested he’ll be dropping back down to Welterweight, which is arguably a very wise move; after a tune-up there will no doubt be a Kell Brook domestic dust-up or a stateside sequel with conqueror Danny Garcia waiting.
As for Canelo, it’s pretty obvious where he’s headed. Well, hopefully, anyway. Fellow Middleweight destroyer Gennady Golovkin was ringside tonight, and if both parties can iron out this Caneloweight (155 pounds) vs Middleweight limit obstacle, then we could be about to see another huge PPV event unfolding before the year is out.
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