Amir Khan stops McCloskey in 6th

It wasn't quite what boxing fans were looking for, but a win is a win.

Amir Khan retained his WBA 140-pound title after referee Luiz Pabon halted the bout in the 6th round because of a cut over the left eye of Paul McCloskey. Khan (25-1, 17 KOs) was ahead on all three judges scorecards, 60-54, when the fight was stopped.

It was the first loss for McCloskey (22-1).

 It was an important win for Khan, who is intent on keeping his name in the mix for future big-money fights against the likes of Tim Bradley, Devon Alexander and possibly Zab Judah.