Former world light-welterweight champion Amir Khan had to climb off the canvas to keep on course for a shot at the division's champions by out-pointing Julio Diaz on Saturday. Khan, 26, was floored in the fourth round and looked on the brink of another knockdown in the 11th of a thrilling catchweight (143 pounds) 12-round non-title contest with Mexican Diaz at the Motorpoint Arena in Sheffield.
In Khan's first performance back on British soil for two years, the 2004 Olympic silver medallist triumphed by scores of 114-113, 115-113 and 115-112 in a close fight.
Khan improved his record to 28 wins and three defeats, while Diaz suffered his eighth career defeat in a 49-fight career. It was another thrilling encounter the Briton was involved in but as exciting as he is, he also showed he is still vulnerable.