Amir Khan marked his return to boxing after a two-year absence by beating Phil Lo Greco courtesy of a knockout inside 39 seconds at Liverpool's Echo Arena this evening.
Fighting in his first bout on British soil in five years, Khan had Lo Greco down inside 13 seconds of the opening round, before delivering a standout combination just seconds after his opponent had returned to his feet to bring the evening to an early end.
Lo Greco was originally knocked to the deck by a strong right hand as Khan raced out of the traps at worrying speed, while a flurry of lefts after an original eight count from the referee signalled the end for the 33-year-old Canadian.
Khan's recent change to trainer Joe Goossen clearly paid off as some lightning hand speed all but did for Lo Greco, on an evening that might just position Khan as a genuine contender in world boxing once again.
The Bolton fighter was appearing in the first of a three-fight deal with Eddie Hearn, and victory for the 31-year-old will now likely fuel conversations about a potential fight with welterweight maestro Kell Brook.