Amir Khan recovers to beat Samuel Vargas on points

Amir Khan, left, knocks down Samuel Vargas in action during their welterweight contest at Arena Birmingham, in Birmingham, England, Saturday Sept. 8, 2018. (Nick Potts/PA via AP)

BIRMINGHAM, England — English welterweight Amir Khan had to climb off the canvas to continue his comeback with a points win over Samuel Vargas on Saturday.

In his second fight since returning to the ring after a two-year absence, Khan was knocked to the floor in the final seconds of the second round.

The Colombian-born Vargas, a former North American champion, had already been put down himself when he stunned Khan and the capacity crowd.

But, with potential next opponent Kell Brook watching at ringside, Khan recovered on his stool, came out and floored Vargas again.

The 31-year-old Khan (33-4), a former world super lightweight champion, was unable to finish the job and eventually had to settle for a unanimous points victory from the grueling fight.

Vargas’ record dropped to 29-4 plus two draws.