Amir Khan called time on his glittering professional career back in 2022, following his stoppage loss to long time rival Kell Brook.
That version of his Khan was far from his best, and his former trainer Virgil Hunter has now pinpointed the fight that, after which, Khan was never the same.
Appearing on ES News, Hunter claimed the 2016 bout between Khan and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez “ruined” the former Olympic silver medalist.
“To be honest, the Canelo fight ruined Amir Khan. It took a lot out of him, he took two years off and he always had issues about being dedicated to the sport.
So when he came to me for that fight, it was just about getting him in the best condition possible, because he wasn’t in good condition, and getting him to do what he does best – box.
It was unfortunate that the Canelo fight took a lot out of him, after that fight he never was the same. It was a fight I was totally against, but it happened.”
Although Khan made a bright start on the back foot against Canelo at the T-Mobile Arena, it all fell apart for him in the sixth round, when a devastating right hand counter from the Mexican knocked Khan out cold.
The finish was so devastating that Alvarez has said in interviews since that he actually feared for Khan’s life at the time.
The Bolton native was stepping up two weight classes to take on Canelo that night – the same task that has been thrust upon undisputed light middleweight champion Jermell Charlo, who will face the star on September 20th.