Amir Khan and Kell Brook went to war on Saturday night as their long time rivalry finally went between the ropes.
After the blockbuster fight, which Brook dominated with a strong display to take bragging rights in their long-term rivalry, there was an emotional behind the scenes reunion between the fighters in their post-fight press conference. Both fighters showed their respect with a handshake.
The two fighters had been openly and especially hostile in the build-up to the fight with Brook even refusing to shake Khan’s hand until after the fight.
It was great to see him keep to his promise as they shook hands after the conclusion of the rivalry. Khan’s face showed clear bruises that he sustained in the fight after taking a lot of damage from his opponent.
He had major respect for his opponent in defeat and even admitted that he "didn't expect" Brook to box well so in the fight and offered "no excuses".
He continued, â€No excuses the better man won and he boxed out of his skin I have to say," Khan said. "I didn't expect that from him especially from the fights I have seen before.
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)
"No disrespect to Kell he put on a great performance today and he came out to win. At the end of the day we have rivalries but as I say after I punch them we can be friends.
"He put a great performance on and did everything he needed to. He was the best man tonight. I had a great, great training camp, but I just couldn't get going. I was missing quite a lot.
"Kell was on his A-game, all respect goes out to him."
It now seems like both are headed for retirement with Khan saying: “I need to sit down with my family. But it is more towards the end of my career.
The love for the sport isn't there anymore. In the ring, I didn't have excitement and that push. That's maybe a sign that I should call it a day but let's see.
I've had 40 fights, winning two world titles, fighting in America and around the world."