For five rounds Saturday night, Canelo Alvarez chased Amir Khan around the ring, looking for that opening to land the big punch everybody knew was coming.

Then, as quickly as you could snap your fingers, Canelo plowed a powerful overhand right flush into Khan’s notoriously susceptible jaw, and the British fighter crumpled, his head bouncing off the canvas. He was out cold.

And just like that, the biggest fight of the year so far was history.

At 2:37 of the sixth round, it was officially declared a done deal. The pro-Canelo crowd roared its approval as referee Kenny Bayless waved it off. No 10-count was necessary on this night.  Canelo raised his hands, then kneeled over Khan to make sure his vanquished opponent was all right.

Álvarez connects with a jab (above).

Khan lands a right, leading the early rounds (above).

Álvarez looks for a big right hook (above).

Álvarez tags Khan with a body shot (above).

Álvarez knocks out Khan in the sixth round with a massive right (above).

Álvarez watches as the referee counts out a prone Khan (above).

Álvarez celebrates his win (above).

REACTION

“I’m a natural 147 (pounds) fighter, but this challenge came and it was very hard to turn down,” Khan told host American broadcasters HBO after the fourth defeat of his 35-fight career.

“I want to be the best, I want to fight the best and that’s why I took this fight.

“I’m one of those fighters that will step in the ring with whoever.

“I showed my bravery by getting in the ring with Canelo, but this is boxing.

“I wanted to go out there as a champion.”

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