Amir Khan learn from knockdown

Amir Khan claims his dramatic stoppage of Willie Limond proves he has the warrior spirit to match his dazzling skills after his march to a world title momentarily faltered at the O2 Arena.

But while Khan seized Limond's Commonwealth lightweight belt with a courageous display, his sixth-round knockdown by an opponent not known for his power has exposed a suspect chin.

"I was never worried when I got knocked down. That's happened in the amateurs but I've got back up and come back stronger," Khan said.

A dominant opening from Khan had faded by the fifth round as Limond grew in confidence and early in the sixth the cagey Scot pounced with a flurry of right hands that sent the 20-year-old tumbling.

But Stung by his second knockdown since leaving the amateur ranks, he launched a furious assault with rapid combinations of straight punches to leave Limond bloodied and bruised.

"That's what I did - came back stronger," said Khan. "I got up straight away but the referee said I've got to wait for the eight-count.

"Willie came running at me and I just held him, thinking I'm not going to fight with him when, in fact, I could have fought with him.

"I knew he was going to put pressure on me. I had to move back in response but my mind was still working about how to cope with that.

"I moved around and a couple of seconds later I was back to normal again and I started picking my shots.

"After the knockdown I told myself to stop thinking about knocking him out. Start using the jab and to get into my rhythm. I was getting too anxious about trying to knock him out. The knockdown gave me that second wind. It focused my mind."