It was a grudge match characterised by animosity and resentment.

The two British welterweights Amir Khan and Kell Brook faced each other on Saturday night (February 19) in Manchester, England with no title on the line.

It was a bruising contest which saw Brook putting a beating down on Khan with the referee stopping the fight in the sixth round.

Both men are 35 years old and are in the twilight of their careers. This may very well be their last time as professionals in the ring.

Khan has come up against one of the world’s best pound-for-pound boxers, Canelo Alvarez, and lost that contest decisively, knocked out by the Mexican.

After the fight with Brook, Khan said: “I‘ve had 40 fights, winning two world titles, fighting in America and around the world. I need to sit down with my family. But it is more towards the end of my career.

“The love for the sport isn’t there anymore. In the ring I didn’t have excitement and that push. I’ve always said I don’t want boxing to retire me, I want to retire from boxing before it does that. Punishment like that sometimes in boxing, …I know I showed a big heart and took some big shots today but sometimes too much of that can be harmful in the future.”

Brook, who comes from Sheffield, England, said: “I can live at peace with Amir Khan on my record. My mojo is back and I love this game. We will listen to loved ones and see, but I’m back baby!

“I can walk away but I could fight Chris Eubank Jr. I don’t like Eubank. If the fight is right, I will fight – I’m a prize fighter.”