AMIR Khan showed a new-found resilience to battle his way to a unanimous points victory over tough Mexican Julio Diaz in Sheffield on Saturday.

The 26-year-old Bolton superstar was back in front of a UK arena crowd for the first time in two years and looking to take another step towards a shot at a world title later this year.

And after a 114-113, 115-113, 115-112 verdict at the Motorpoint Arena, Golden Boy Promotions chief Richard Schaefer believes Khan could get his chance in December.

It was far from straightforward for Khan who was sent to the canvas in the fourth round when his 33-year-old opponent caught him with a left hook.

But under new trainer Virgil Hunter, Khan has a new toughness that saw him regain his composure to go on and clinch a second successive victory.

“Julio is a tough Mexican fighter – that is why he has been a two-time world champion,” said Khan.

“He never took a step back and caught me with a shot when I was off balance but I kept moving to get my composure. I am happy to win what was one of my toughest fights.”

In front of a passionate crowd, Khan started well, just as he had against Carlos Molina in his first fight under Hunter.

In the first round, he had the Sheffield crowd chanting his name after some good early left hooks and jabs pushed Diaz back onto the ropes.

The Californian-based opponent looked slightly shell-shocked with Khan’s quickfire exchanges and fast hands and was happy to hear the bell.

The second and third followed much the same path but Diaz took the punishment well.

He grew into the fight and two minutes into the fourth round, he floored Khan when he connected twice in quick succession.

The Khan of old may have crumbled, but not now, as he regained his composure and picked the right time to fight rather than leave himself open.

Diaz grew in confidence with a battling will of his own, despite a cut under his right eye.

It was an uncomfortable eighth round for Khan as Diaz had him wobbling, but he withstood huge pressure to stay on his feet and take the brunt of some big punches without any problem to that so-called glass chin.

In the final rounds both were determined not to be beaten and it was an epic finale that deserved to go the distance.

It was full of guts and a thriller to watch, and at the final bell, both fighters were hoisted aloft by their trainers.

But it was Khan, much to the delight of the big crowd in Sheffield, who was victorious and took another step towards regaining the world title he is desperate to win back.