Sunday 8 May 2016 10:44, UK
Amir Khan insisted he had no regrets after his ambitious challenge for the WBC middleweight title ended in a sixth round knockout defeat to Saul Alvarez.
Khan used his speed to earn the advantage in the opening rounds only to be sent crashing in Las Vegas as Alvarez caught him flush on the chin with a big right hand.
Khan, who lay motionless after hitting the canvas, tweeted while being taken to hospital as a precaution, writing: "I'm okay everyone. That's boxing for you, congrats to @Canelo monster punch, much love to all the fans! #CaneloKhan"
And having moved up almost two weight classes to take on the Mexican, the Bolton man suggested he would now return to his more natural division after suffering the fourth defeat of his 35-fight career.
"I'm a natural 147 (pounds) fighter, but this challenge came and it was very hard to turn down," he said.
"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 challenged Alvarez to fight unbeaten Kazakh Gennady Golovkin, the current WBA Super and IBF world champion, and urged the Mexican to "quit hiding".
"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."
