Kell Brook got the win of his career in the War of the Roses as he walked right through his bitter, British rival, earning the legacy-defining bragging rights he so desperate craved with a sixth-round stoppage of Amir Khan. The former unified light-welterweight champion was too brave for his own good and had to be carried out on his shield after refusing to lie down but the referee intervened with a smart stoppage to protect the health of the 35-year-old.
A grudge match that was 17 years in the making, many believed this fight was past its sell-by date but boy did it deliver in front of an electric atmosphere in Manchester.
With Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn sat ringside, Brook seized his opportunity to show why he still rules the domestic roost, he is still king of the pool.
Brook only ever seemed to be one punch away from victory but Khan continued to suck up the punishment, taking some heavy blows to the jaw and temple before he was eventually put out of his misery.
There was drama before the pair even climbed through the ropes though when a dispute backstage over Brook’s gloves divided both camps.
The former IBF welterweight champion was even told he had to change his gloves in the ring before the fight – or he would not get paid.
So that’s what he did and despite not warming up in the new pair, Brook turned in the performance of his career.
Special K had predicted fireworks from the opening bell, stating this would be a fight in a telephone box and he was keen to deliver on that promise.
We were barely two minutes into this highly-anticipated grudge match when he landed a stiff, left jab that caught Khan, whose legs turned to rubber.
His chin has been questioned over time following devastating knockout defeats against the likes of Breidis Prescott, Danny Garcia and Canelo Alvarez and it wasn’t long before Brook put his punch resistance to the test.
Khan did not look at all convincing, despite shaking his head, he continues to spring around like a kangaroo as Brook continued to control the centre of the ring.
King looked to have cleared his head as he bid to utilise his hand speed as he began to ask questions of his own.
Brook had the answers though and despite being tagged, he remained in total control of the fight.
Round 3 belonged to Brook, who had Khan rocking once again, a slick left-right cross wobbled his rival, who look laboured up against the ropes. Once again, he was saved by the bell.
In Round 5, Brook was having huge joy, beating Khan to a pulp but the resistant Olympic silver medalist was determined not to hit the canvas.
Round 6 proved a step too far though as Brook went for the throat.
He started to up the ante in search of a knockout after continuing to dominate and his ruthless combinations had caused serious, physical damage to Khan’s face.
The referee had seen enough and stepped in before Khan ended up on his back or worse, his face.
The night belonged to Brook, who was evidently rattled in the build-up to this fight but in the end, Special K done his talking in the ring.
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