An epic match that had been in the pipelines for a very long time finally came to head as Kell Brook came out on top in his fight against Amir Khan via a sixth-round stoppage. The fight came while both boxers are nearer to the end of their careers but it was still a big deal. This was further emphasised with the presence of Manchester City footballer Jack Grealish, Manchester United’s Edinson Cavani and former Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher in the crowd for the bout. Brook strutted to the ring with the tune of his trademark entrance music - Kanye West’s ‘All of the Lights’ while Khan was accompanied by current world champion Terrence Crawford. Both fighters made eye contact in the final seconds before the first bell. Brook the Sheffield Star routinely dominated Khan from the first bell until the referee deemed it enough and stepped in to stop further punishment meted out. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Kell Brook celebrates victory over Amir Khan (not pictured) during their Welterweight contest at AO Arena on February 19, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)Khan showed that he still had hand speed in his arsenal with some quick combinations in the opening half of the round. He was caught with a jab coming in from Brook. Khan later swung and missed with a hook and that is where the onslaught that set the mood for the rest of the fight began.The first big shot of the night was by Brook as a right hand sent Khan to the ropes. He then moved to take the initiative as Khan was back-pedalling but the Bolton man threw himself. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Kell Brook (left) and Amir Khan During their Welterweight contest at AO Arena on February 19, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)That left him open and Brook staggered him again with his left this time. Brook was patient through the fight and landed a right hand in the second round which Khan shrugged off. Khan’s use of his speed and very decent movement kept him out of range during the fight. The pace of the fight gradually slowed after the fast opening and Khan began to find the target until Brook exploded into life in the final seconds. Rounds two, three and four all had similar patterns with Khan starting well, throwing feints and jabs and occasionally connecting.

Brook’s attacks continued and he was relentless in dealing with Khan who seemed to have lost his defence and speed.

The one-way traffic continued and by the sixth round, after landing two right uppercuts and then a left hook, the referee was forced to intervene and bring an end to the match. 

Both fighters will now consider retirement after the match, but Brook might still have another match in him, saying: “ I can walk away but I could fight [Chris] Eubank [Jr]. I don't like Eubank. If the fight is right I will fight. I'm a prize fighter.