Canelo Alvarez connects the knockout punch against Amir Khan in the sixth round during their WBC middleweight title fight at T-Mobile Arena on May 7, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. PHOTO: AFP
The 25-year-old hard-hitting Mexican dropped Khan with a straight right over a passive left jab that sent the Briton crumpling to the canvas with just 23 seconds left in the round.
The back of Khan's head bounced off the deck, prompting his corner to rush to his aid as he lay motionless for a couple of minutes.
Canelo Alvarez over fallen Amir Khan in the sixth round round of their WBC middleweight title fight. PHOTO: AFPKhan eventually got up and went to his corner.
"Many people talk about my power but I have many more qualities in the ring and people saw that," Alvarez said. "I like to surprise everyone."
The savage end to what was supposed to be the biggest fight of Khan's career will undoubtedly strengthen the notion that he has a soft chin.
It was a brutal knockout victory for Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez over Amir Khan tonight in Las Vegas! https://t.co/noJL12DQH3
— Transfer Moves (@TransferMoves) May 8, 2016
It was a shocking end to what had been a close fight up to that point.
The 29-year-old Khan, who moved up two weight classes to face the bigger champ, started strong and even won the first couple of rounds before Alvarez worked his way into the fight at the brand new T-Mobile Arena.
"He's very fast. So I knew it would be complicated at the beginning," Alvarez said. "But I knew the time would come to my favor and you saw that."
Alvarez is now mandated by the WBC to fight unbeaten two-belt champ Gennady Golovkin, who was ringside Saturday.
Amir Khan unconcerned by appearances in Alvarez clash
After the fight Alvarez (47-1-1, 33 KOs) stood in the center of the ring and called out Golovkin during the post-match interview.
"I invited him to the ring," Alvarez said. "Like we say in Mexico .... We don't fight for rings and stuff. We don't come to play. I fear no one in this sport."
At Friday's weigh-in, both boxers scaled 155 pounds, bang on the catch-weight limit.
Many Mexicans were in Las Vegas to celebrate the Cinco de Mayo festival weekend, meaning the majority of the crowd was on Alvarez's side.
There was also a vocal contingent of Khan's fans, who made the trip from Britain for the title fight.
Also in attendance at ringside were boxing legends Evander Holyfield, Roberto Duran and Roy Jones as well as fight promoter Oscar de la Hoya.
The challenge for former junior welterweight champion Khan is to overcome another crushing knockout as his record dropped to 31-4 with 19 knockouts.
"I showed my balls by getting into the ring with a big guy. I am one of those fighters who will step in the ring with whoever," said Khan, who was knocked out for the third time in his career.
This was Khan's first go at middleweight and he said he has no plans to continue to fight in the 160-pound division.
"The challenge came and it was hard to turn down. My natural weight is 147 and I will be going down to that," he said.
Alvarez-Khan was the first boxing match to take place at the 20,000-capacity arena. The $375 million facility opened last month.
The 29-year-old later took to Facebook to congratulate Alvarez on his win.
Last week, Khan said he was relishing the prospect of star billing after enduring years of frustration trying unsuccessfully to land a bout against the now retired Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
“It’s my time and I’m going to grab it with both hands,” Khan told a press conference.
Amir Khan ready for 'dream' showdown with Alvarez
“It’s been my dream to get a big fight like this in Las Vegas and I’m not going to let it go.
“Come this fight you’re going to see the best Amir Khan. Canelo’s a tough guy. He’s strong but we’re going to be ready for what he brings to the table,” added Khan, who is 31-3 with 19 knockouts.
Khan, who is of Pakistani descent, also referenced the US presidential election campaign rhetoric of likely Republican nominee Donald Trump, who has vowed to bar Muslims from entering the United States while promising to build a wall on the US-Mexico border.
“Who knows? This could be the last fight for me and Canelo in Las Vegas if Donald Trump becomes president,” joked Khan, a Muslim.
Many took to Twitter after the match:
Love how @amirkingkhan conducted himself after fight. You did stepped up & took a tough loss like a champ-Respect! @HBOboxing #CaneloKhan
— Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) May 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/JasonMitch/status/729157170093129728
#CaneloKhan
— The Bushman Show 🫡 (@BushmanOnAir) May 8, 2016
That knockout stunned the whole crowd!
Congrats @Canelo pic.twitter.com/UQF6idy5r9
Here comes @amirkingkhan @TMobileArena @HBOboxing #Canel pic.twitter.com/GjLFneenx7
— The Bushman Show 🫡 (@BushmanOnAir) May 8, 2016
Much respect to @amirkingkhan tho
— El Finito (@Hector_Tanajara) May 8, 2016
Amir khan so much hype little results in big fights.
— Martin Brian Ansah (@DaAnsahonSports) May 8, 2016
All praise to الله he's fine and Insha'Allah he will come back a lot stronger.
— Zoha (@ZohaOfficial) May 8, 2016
Respect he took a huge fight! @amirkingkhan #TeamKhan
Keep your head up @amirkingkhan you fought well, No shame in losing to great champ like @Canelo .You will be back, and the fans will be here
— BLTV (@BoxingLegendsTV) May 8, 2016
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