Khan delivers in stunning style

Amir Khan produced a first round KO of Ukrainian mandatory challenger Dmitriy Salita in the Bolton fighter's first WBA world title defence.

Fighting in Newcastle at a sell-out Metro Radio Arena, Khan knocked down New-York based Salita within 10 secs of the opening bell. It was a stunning start from the 22 year-old champion and he showed a ruthless killer instinct in following up the knockdown and securing the stoppage after just 76 seconds of the opening round.

Salita visited the canvas three times in total before the contest was sensibly halted by the referee as the challenger was simply demolished by Khan's lightening speed and power. A fast left-right combination put Salita down early and the undefeated challenger was never allowed a moment's respite as Khan followed up with a barrage of blows that battered his opponent to the floor in the corner of the ring.

Allowed to continue, Salita looked hugely out of his depth as Khan again connected with an excellent left hook to drop him for a third and final time.

Khan had spoken in the build-up to the fight about his improved punching power and strength and had expressed a desire to make a statement against his challengers:

"I want to knock them out and I want to put a stamp there to say, 'look guys, Amir Khan is here and you better be careful what you say because I'm the world champion and I'm going to back it up by fighting and making a statement'."

Well, make a statement he certainly did in Newcastle as he displayed blistering speed, accuracy and power that Salita had no answer for. These are the types of attributes that mark Khan out as a bona fide star of not just British but world boxing and under the tutelage of revered trainer freddie Roach, the former Olympic silver medallist looks all set to be a serious force on the world scene.

Khan takes his record to 22 wins with 16 knockouts from his 23 professional fights.