Amir Khan's dream of finally proving himself one of the finest fighters in the world ended in a controversial defeat when he was stopped in the sixth round after a low blow by the great Terence Crawford at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Fighting to also become a two-weight world champion by adding the WBO welterweight title to his impressive list of honours, Khan had long pursued this opportunity which has likely ended his career at the highest level, leaving him with few remaining lucrative options.
A domestic fight with long-term rival Kell Brook will appeal until either retires, but for the 32-year-old Khan - groomed for greatness since winning an Olympic silver medal in 2004 aged 17 - his successful time as an attraction in the US may have passed.
Follow live updates below:
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of tonight's welterweight clash between Terence Crawford and Amir Khan.
We'll be bringing you updates from 1am tonight, with the two fighters due to make their ring walk around 3am.
In the meantime, here's Steve Bunce's big fight preview on the 'kid from Bolton' and his fascinating career:
Welcome to The Independent's live coverage as Amir Khan attempts to achieve what many have already deemed the impossible as he challenges pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Khan is taking on one of the greatest fighters in the world tonight. Perhaps, even with that harrowing knockout defeat to Canelo Alvarez, the most talented in his career.
Crawford is undefeated in 34 fights, a three-weight world champion, and became just the third undisputed champion in boxing's modern era after unifying all the belts at 140lbs.
Consensus says Khan is on his way out. He believes, though, that he is ready to shock the world.
Here is the scene for tonight's bout, arguably the most iconic venue in all of boxing, New York's Madison Square Garden.
It's a happy hunting ground for Crawford, who defeated 2008 Olympic gold medalist Felix Diaz by knockout in the 10th round almost two years ago in the very same ring.
Steve Bunce is in New York covering the fight tonight. Here is his take on the majesty of Terence Crawford.
Crawford is known for his brilliant technical ability, but he possesses elite power too.
Tonight, he has vowed to go for the knockout.
Two of the most exciting prospects in boxing will be showcased on the undercard tonight.
2016 Olympic silver medalist Shakur Stevenson makes the first big step-up of his professional career at just 21 years old as he takes on former world title challenger Christopher Diaz.
Knockout specialist Teofimo Lopez, who is on course for a future showdown with Vasyl Lomachenko, then faces the Finn Edis Tatli.
Who are boxing's biggest names backing?
It's not long now until Shakur Stevenson, who is being mentored by Crawford and retired former pound-for-pound No 1 Andre Ward, takes to the ring. Here are his final words from the dressing room:
Amir Khan is in the building.
Felix Verdejo vs Bryan Vasquez (Lightweight)
So here comes the first of the televised undercard bouts. Verdejo was a very highly-touted prospect before suffering a shock loss to Ines Antonio Lozada Torres but has since returned impressively.
Round 1: Verdejo 0-1 Vasquez
It's a great start to the bout with both fighters coming out fast. Vasquez catches Verdejo off-guard early with a series of snapping jabs, before the Puerto Rican responds with a right-hand. But it's the older and significantly smaller man, Vasquez, who seemed to have settled into the fight better thus far.
Vasquez's wife, Hanna Gabriel, is running his corner, instructing him through every second of the round. Gabriel is a former two-weight world champion and became the first woman to knock down now undisputed champion Claressa Shields.
Round 2: Verdejo 0-2 Vasquez
Another promising round for Vasquez who is the quicker to the punch. Can he keep it up?
Verdejo is showing glimmers of finding his range, but it's still all very off-key from the Puerto Rican thus far, who is trying to put all his might into every punch.
Round 3: Verdejo 1-2 Vasquez
Better from Verdejo who manages to find his range with the jab to stop Vasquez jumping inside and unleashing quick combinations.
The Puerto Rican adds a right-hand but the success is rather sporadic for the time being.
Round 4: Verdejo 2-2 Vasquez
Trouble for Vasquez who appears to have suffered an injury to his left shoulder. He's not able to throw as many jabs and there's significantly less conviction on them meaning Verdejo is able to connect with some cleaner punches, the majority though are still missing wildly.
Verdejo has a nasty cut underneath his left-eye which his team looking concerned about. The doctor peers in during the break between rounds but there's no danger of the fight being stopped because of it.
Round 5: Verdejo 3-2 Vasquez
Verdejo finally connects with a flush right-hand in what was comfortably the clearest round of the fight so far. Vasquez's output has dropped dramatically since the injury to that left arm and it's hard to see how he can deter the Puerto Rican.
Round 6: Verdejo 4-2 Vasquez
More of the same in that round with Vasquez looking less and less dangerous. He does clip Verdejo with a nice right-hand towards the end of the round though to remind him that he's there to win, and not just attempt to see out the 10 rounds.
Round 7: Verdejo 5-2 Vasquez
Vasquez offering very little in that round as Verdejo looks to start throwing his punches in combinations. He may be winning comfortably, but it's a far from impressive performance from the Puerto Rican who misses with so many wild punches as he tries to force a knockout.
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