BOLTON'S Amir Khan lost to rival Kell Brook in the sixth round of their long-awaited grudge match at a packed AO Arena in Manchester tonight.

From the start, both experienced boxers went for it and you sensed they wanted to make a statement after so many fall outs over the years.

But while Khan landed multiple good shots to hurt Brook throughout, the Sheffield fighter looked more assured and had Khan wobbling on his legs twice early on.

He often had Khan back-pedalling and on the ropes but he battled on bravely with some good shots of his own.

But as the bell went for the sixth round, Brook - possibly wary of his own swelling left eye - went on for the kill and with Khan struggling to respond, the referee stepped in to end it after less than a minute.

Both boxers embraced at the end in a show of respect but Brook deserved his victory on the night.