Eddie Hearn has claimed that Amir Khan was "shot to pieces" during his defeat to Kell Brook but has praised him for his refusal to give up.
The British star was brutally defeated by bitter rival Brook in a grudge match in Manchester which ended in a brutal sixth round stoppage.
Khan has faced calls to retire in the aftermath of the defeat after Brook's dominant display to settle their rivalry.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Hearn has stated that "props" should be given to Khan for his role in the fight despite the harsh defeat.
“Number one is – this would’ve been such an unbelievable fight in their primes, because it was still exciting because of the rivalry," Hearn told the DAZN Boxing Show.
“We have to give massive props to Amir Khan because he was absolutely shot to pieces going into that fight. He was wobbled from a jab in the first round, his legs were all over the place from the first bell, but he wouldn’t give up.
“Fair play to him, he never stopped trying. And he knew in his heart of hearts, actually he would’ve known in training camp that he was shot to pieces. But he never stopped trying to win.
“Kell FaceTimed me last night and I had a really nice chat with him. I said to him, ‘You looked nervous.’ He said, ‘I was nervous.’ But then I saw Amir walk out and he looked petrified. I think everyone was doubting each other.”
Khan was planning to continue fighting originally providing he secured victory but was unable to have his hand raised after a thunderous fight.
He shook hands with his rival and showed signs of respect after the pair were reunited backstage for the post-fight press conference.
The 35-year-old was visibly dejected with result despite handing Brook full credit for his dominant performance.
What did you make of Amir Khan's performance and should he retire? Let us know in the comments section below
A decision will soon be made by Khan who will assess his future in the boxing ring but he dropped a huge hint after admitting his "love" for the sport was dwindling.
"He put a great performance on and did everything he needed to," Khan said after the fight. “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.
"That's maybe a sign that I should call it a day but let's see."
Brook has faced a number of call-outs since his dominant victory over Khan including domestic rivals Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr.
However similarly to Khan, he is yet to make a decision on his fighting future but has admitted he would like to make another fight happen if the offer is in the "millions".
