The best images of an epic bout between Amir Khan and Marcos Maidana

Khan, the 24-year-old WBA light-welterweight champion, prepares for the fourth defence of his title against a fighter who's managed 27 KOs in 29 wins. Khan, often derided for having a soft chin, would have good reason to be cautious early on, especially after what happened when he faced Breidis Prescott in 2008 Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images

Khan survives an early barrage from the challenger Photograph: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images

... and then cripples his opponent with a body shot. Maidana takes a count of eight, but manages to continue Photograph: Steve Marcus/Reuters

Khan dominates the middle rounds of the fight, but the blood splattered across his own face bears witness to the threat Maidana continues to pose Photograph: Isaac Brekken/AP

Safe to say this one hurt a little bit Photograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images

Maidana stalks Khan around the ring; he must sense that he's behind on the judges' scorecards Photograph: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Round 10 is a savage affair, with Khan practically a human punch-bag Photograph: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images

Khan absorbs blow after blow Photograph: Isaac Brekken/AP

... after blow Photograph: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images

But launches right back into his opponent with equal brutality Photograph: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images

Maidana looks a mess Photograph: Steve Marcus/Reuters

Khan isn't looking too pretty either. He barely knew where his corner was when the bell went to signal the end of the round Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images

The pair go toe-to-toe in the 11th and 12th rounds. Maidana senses he's on for another knock-out (how he's not managed so far is frankly unbelievable), while Khan realises his best hope of survival lies in persistent attack Photograph: Steve Marcus/Reuters

The fight is finally over and Khan raises his fists in anticipation of victory ... Photograph: Lee Smith/Action Images

The victory is indeed his, but only just. He wins by unanimous decision, 114-111 twice and 113-112. The numbers seem irrelvant in light of what just happened. How Khan survived such a torrid attack is anyone's guess. He deserves the belt for sheer bravery Photograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images

Looks like everyone else is in the mood for a scrap after watching that one. Maidana's cornermen try to square up with Khan's, while promoter Oscar De La Hoya steps in to calm them down. They ought to be more concerned about Khan - he's off to hospital for a CAT scan Photograph: Scott Heavey/Getty Images