Amir Khan's speedy punches saw off Marco Antonio Barrera in the fifth round of Saturday's lightweight bout, marking a turning point in his career six months after a major setback in the same arena. The 22-year-old Brit won on a technical decision after a disciplined battering of the outclassed Mexican, who was covered in blood after a cut to his forehead in a clash of heads in the first round. The tide of blood pouring down Barrera's head was never stemmed, and the ringside doctor eventually called a halt to the bout. Khan's gamble to fight a seven-time world champion 13 years his senior paid off, with the 2004 Olympic silver medalist banishing memories of being humiliated by Breidis Prescott in 54 seconds last September in style in his 21st professional bout. “This fight was make or break for me, but I felt so comfortable it seemed liked easy work catching him with the jabs,” Khan said. “I'm happy with the performance. I mustn't have done much wrong in that fight.” Khan has been transformed by trainer Freddie Roach and sparring with pound-for-pound great Manny Pacquiao - sessions he felt were tougher in the end than the fight itself at MEN Arena. “The jabbing and patience - I felt so strong. You could see the difference,” Khan said. “I had to take some shots in that match. I made some mistakes in the past and I'm not going to make them again.” Now Khan wants a shot at a title by the end of the year, but promoter Frank Warren is unsure a fight with Marquez will happen. “I'm hearing Marquez is going to fight Floyd Mayweather Junior next (at light-welterweight) so we will just have to see what happens,” Warren told a news conference. On the undercard, Ola Afolabi claimed a cruiserweight title by knocking out Enzo Maccarinelli, while Roman Martinez knocked out Nicky Cook to win a super-featherweight belt. Abraham retains title In Germany, Arthur Abraham retained his IBF middleweight title with a hard-earned unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Lajuan Simon of the United States on Saturday.
