Canelo Alvarez defended his World Boxing Council middleweight belt Saturday by knocking out Amir Khan with a vicious right hand late in the sixth round of their Las Vegas title fight.

Amir Khan, who recently challenged Indian boxer Vijender Singh, was dropped as Alvarez sent 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.

Khan eventually got up and went to his corner.

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 shocking end to what had been a close fight up to that point.

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.

Feature image source: AFP