Amir Khan's world-middleweight title dreams ended in the heartache of defeat in Las Vegas when WBC champion Saul Alvarez stopped him with a heavy knockout in the sixth round.

The 29-year-old had made the promising start to the fight he required by capitalising on his speed to build an early lead, but ultimately proved too small and not elusive enough to evade the bigger fighter for the 12-round distance when he was caught with a huge right hand.

The Briton stayed on the canvas for some time before getting to his feet and giving a lucid interview - but he was taken to hospital as a precaution afterwards.

The Briton, a natural welterweight fighting beyond 147-pounds for the first time and clearly the smaller man in the ring, had spoken of his belief that he lacked the power to stop Alvarez - and his performance demonstrated that.

Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya, who promotes Canelo, praised Khan for his performance and feels that he can beat anyone at 147 or 154.

De La Hoya said: “I always said he is one of the bravest fighters on the planet today. He is willing to be great, he didn’t lose anything tonight, he won everything.

“He is going to come back. Probably fight at 154-pounds or 147-pounds, he looked really big so I don’t know if he can go down to 147. I think he can beat anyone at 147 or 154. Amir Khan, there is no shame in his performance.

“He is a gifted boxer, disciplined boxer and a hard worker. He got caught with one punch. He got caught with a punch that was coming at him lightening fast and with tonnes of power.”