Facing Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez was always going to be a challenge for Amir Khan and in the end, it proved a step too far.
Despite matching the Mexican in the early rounds in Las Vegas, the Bolton fighter was knocked out by a devastating sixth-round right hand from Alvarez.
Despite the defeat, Khan won plenty of plaudits for his performance, and the courage he showed in jumping two weight division in order to face Alvarez.
One of those that was quick to praise him was Conor McGregor, who revealed his respect for Khan in a tweet sent just hours after the fight had finished.
The Irishman pointed out that many established fighters look down the divisions instead of up.
Respect to Khan.
Most established fighters these days look down the divisions for a fight.
Very few are looking up.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 8, 2016
Like Khan, McGregor moved up weight divisions in his recent UFC 196 defeat to Nate Diaz.