Few things light up Twitter quite like a sensational KO, and when Saul Alvarez’s ruthless right-hand accounted for the consciousness of Amir Khan on Saturday, there were widespread expressions of awe throughout the social media platform.
However, admiration for the painful yet picturesque finish seemed secondary in the aftermath of the fight, as most observers were quick to offer words of respect for Khan and his brave efforts against the bigger man.
The Bolton native’s fellow fighters in particular commended his courage.
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
Gutted for @amirkingkhan what balls he's shown. Hats off mate. Congrats to @canelo what a fighter! ??
— Paul Smith (@PaulSmithJnr) May 8, 2016
Massive respect to @amirkingkhan for taking a very dangerous fight,
Proper fighting man, welldone Amir,??— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) May 8, 2016
You cannot knock @amirkingkhan for trying what he tried last night! His desire an braveness should be admired! Too many want easy fights!
— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) May 8, 2016
Hats off to @amirkingkhan! Much respect. Salam aleikum ??✌?️
— Badou Jack (@BadouJack) May 8, 2016
I'm hurting for my brother Amir Khan, But I have so much respect for him. He came up short, but he dared to be great. Respect bro.
— Andre S.O.G. Ward (@andreward) May 8, 2016
Deep respect for @amirkingkhan and congrats to @canelo Great champions take great risks. There is no loser today. Losers dont take risks.
— Sergio Martínez (@maravillabox) May 8, 2016
Alvarez was afforded respect too, and not just for the finish. Following the fight-ending shot, the Mexican knelt at Khan’s side in a wonderful show of concern and respect.
His gesture didn’t go unnoticed.
Also Canelo is an absolute class act. He was genuinely worried about khan's health, didn't celebrate. Deserves respect for that
— Colin Byrne (@Colinsboxing) May 8, 2016
He has the speed. He had the power. Most of all he has respect and class. #canelo
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) May 8, 2016
Class from @Canelo there. Going straight to see if Amir was ok.
Huge KO but no celebration.
Respect ?? #CaneloKhan— Dave Coldwell (@davidcoldwell) May 8, 2016
Great show of respect by Canelo straight after pure class
— Enzo Maccarinelli (@theRealEnzoMac) May 8, 2016
Khan later took to Twitter to provide an update and assured fans that he was fine.
Im okay everyone ? thats boxing for you, congrats to @Canelo monster punch, much love to all the fans! #CaneloKhan pic.twitter.com/oQcqZQrsLl
— Amir Khan (@amirkingkhan) May 8, 2016
There were a couple of elephants in the room too. One rather subtly and respectfully made his presence known….
Big respect to all fighters tonight. I am ready, @Canelo. #CaneloKhan ???
— Gennadiy Golovkin (@GGGBoxing) May 8, 2016
….the other, not so much.
I'm here all British showdown @amirkingkhan ?
— Kell Brook (@SpecialKBrook) May 8, 2016
It was Golovkin, however, that garnered the attention. GGG vs Canelo is obviously the fight that everyone wants to see.
Canelo Vs. GGG next please!
— Jordan Burroughs (@alliseeisgold) May 8, 2016
I said it after Canelo-Cotto, and I'll say it again now: Canelo will be competitive against GGG. No, he won't win. But it's no wipeout.
— Eric Raskin (@EricRaskin) May 8, 2016
Id like to See GGG & Canelo made ASAP: ??
— James Helder (@JamesHelder_) May 8, 2016
Canelo. GGG. Counting on ya this year, Santa.
— Dave Sholler (@DaveSholler) May 8, 2016
Even Khan’s coach, Virgil Hunter, called on Alvarez to step up.
#TrueDat #VirgilHunter calling for the #Best to #Fight the #Best #Canelo has to #Box #GGG #Massive #Respect to #Amir pic.twitter.com/klZ6mYhsoH
— Anthony Fowler ?????? (@afowler06) May 8, 2016
Encouragingly, Alvarez was humming the right tune post-fight, indicating that he was game, and even suggesting that he was willing to take on Golovkin at the full middleweight limit of 160lbs.
I asked Canelo if he'll fight GGG next: "I'm willing to make him an offer. I'd be happy to fight and also to beat him." #CaneloKhan #boxing
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) May 8, 2016
Asked about the weight for a GGG fight Canelo said, and I quote: 'I'll fight him at 160.' #CaneloKhan #boxing
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) May 8, 2016
Read More About: amir khan, amir khan news, boxing, boxing news, Canelo, canelo alvarez, canelo news. gennady golovkin, kell brook, saul alvarez, saul alvarez news
