Amir Khan had dropped a retirement hint from boxing after suffering a galling loss to arch-nemesis Kell Brook in a long-awaited grudge match at the AO Arena in Manchester last night.

The former unified light-welterweight world champion, 35, was outclassed by compatriot Brook from start to finish and looked to be in dire straits before the referee stepped in to save him 51 seconds into the sixth round 

And Khan, who had not fought since the summer of 2019, admitted: “He put a great performance on and did everything he needed to.

“He was the best man tonight. I had a great, great training camp, but I just couldn’t get going.

“I was missing quite a lot. Kell was on his A-game, all respect goes out to him.”

Khan, like Brook a former world champion, admitted he will likely retire after suffering the sixth defeat of an illustrious career.

“I’ve had 40 fights, winning two world titles, fighting in America and around the world,” he added.

“I need to sit down with my family. But it is more towards the end of my career.

“The love for the sport isn’t there anymore. In the ring, I didn’t have excitement and that push.

“That’s maybe a sign that I should call it a day but let’s see.”

Brook and Khan embraced after the referee had stepped in to halt the Bolton man’s punishment.

The winner said: “I’ve always had respect for him. But when I didn’t get it back? It’s hard to like someone.

“But he took shots and tried to hold on. I respect him for that. He said we can get a coffee after!”