On Saturday night in Birmingham, former welterweight world champion Amir Khan had to climb off the canvas to continue his comeback with a points win over Samuel Vargas.

In his second fight since returning to the ring after a two-year absence, Khan was knocked to the floor in the final seconds of the second round.

The Colombian-born Vargas, a former North American champion, had already been put down himself when he stunned Khan and the capacity crowd.

But, with potential next opponent Kell Brook watching at ringside, Khan recovered on his stool, came out and floored Vargas again.

The 31-year-old Khan (33-4), a former world super lightweight champion, was unable to finish the job and eventually had to settle for a unanimous points victory from the grueling fight. Vargas’ record dropped to 29-4 plus two draws.

After the contest as over, Khan explained that he intentionally carried Vargas for the entire twelve rounds, because he wanted to get some rounds after only fighting for 39 seconds in over two years, after putting away Phil Lo Greco in rapid fashion in April.

"There was a couple of times I could've finished it but stepped off [Vargas]," Khan said.

"I wanted to pick my shots but he kept coming so I didn't have to look for him. There were times in the fight when I could have pushed on him and probably knocked him out.

"But the thing is, I need the rounds if I want to move up and fight better opposition like Manny Pacquiao and Kell Brook. I have to go the 12 rounds and get experience in the ring.

"He caught me with a right overhand, right on the button. It was more of a flash knockdown. I got up and went again, I was fine. I want to fight before the end of the year so this was a great warm-up fight for me."