Amir Khan completed his own fistic resurrection in fine style at the weekend as he outfought and out-thought Andreas Kotelnik to claim the WBA light-welterweight title.

The win completed an impressive turnaround in fortunes for the 22-year-old from Bolton, who less than a year ago was being written off after a shocking KO loss to Breidis Prescott.

That night, at the same MEN Arena in Manchester where Saturday's bout took place, Khan was annihilated in 53 seconds by the free-swinging Colombian.

However he rebounded well with two solid wins, including a fine victory over faded Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera, to set up a meeting with Ukrainian champ Kotelnik.

Khan, who boxed beautifully for the most part behind a stiff jab, came through unanimously on points and even answered a few questions about his punch resistance after taking several meaty shots flush on the chin throughout the fight.

Khan's fantastic hand speed and balance were the keys to victory though he did make hard work of it at times by electing to stand and trade with Kotelnik, who isn't a huge puncher but was always dangerous.

It was a very good victory against a very good champion and the fact that Khan made Kotelnik look very ordinary at times speaks volumes about his own ability and ring craft.

Given the fact that the lightweight and light-welterweight divisions are crammed with talent there is no doubt that there will be tougher nights ahead but Khan, under the guidance of esteemed US trainer Freddie Roach, really does look the part these days.

Roach has helped him tidy things up defensively but not to the extent that Amir has become a safety-first fighter. He showed plenty of measured aggression to claim the title and looked in fabulous shape considering this was his first meaningful test at 10-stone.

There was serious talk afterwards that Khan may now meet current 'pound-for-pound' British boss Ricky Hatton in a bout that would create massive interest on these shores. Hatton has yet to confirm he will box on after his own devastating recent loss to Manny Pacquiao, but the signs are that 'The Hitman' will continue and if he does a clash with young gun Khan could well be on his agenda.

I'd make Hatton favourite if they met in the next six months but Khan is improving all the time and as well as acquiring the WBA strap he's also moved up two places to five on our latest domestic 'pound-for-pound' list.

Another Frank Warren fighter moving in the right direction is Kell Brook, the exciting Sheffield showman who became the first man to stop Michael Lomax on the big Khan - Kotelnik bill.

Yorkshire fight aficionados have been raving about Brook for years but it seems he is now realising his potential and he has now compiled an impressive 20-0 record.

A product from the same Wincobank gym that spawned Naseem Hamed comparisons are inevitably being made between Brook and 'The Prince'.

I'm not sure if his star will shine quite as brightly as Hamed's once did but he's a very classy operator in his own right and the 23-year-old has now won four British title fights in a row inside schedule.

There are some big domestic, European and world fights out there for Brook, who on the evidence of that Lomax win will fancy his chances against anyone.

Another young fighter catching the eye is Welsh light-heavyweight Nathan Cleverly. The 22-year-old looked hugely impressive as he dismantled Norwich rival Danny McIntosh in Bethnal Green and he looks to be getting better and better with every passing bout.

Cleverly was trained by Enzo Calzaghe and while he has since moved on it's clear that the work he has done with Enzo and son Joe is standing him in good stead as a pro.

Critics who felt a lack of a dig might prove his undoing at the top level are being made to reconsider with that McIntosh win Clev's fourth consecutive stoppage win.

In winning the fight he added the British title to the Commonwealth belt he already owns and he may now have Germany's European boss Juergen Braehmer in his sights.

Cleverly is beautifully proportioned for a light-heavy. He's tall with long arms and his balance and ring awareness belie his tender years.

McIntosh, who had won 10 straight going in and was no mug, simply had no answers and it's a win that sees Cleverly take over tenth spot from Nicky Cook on our latest list.

Sportinglife.com pound-for-pound British top 10:

1 - Ricky Hatton

2 - David Haye

3 - Carl Froch

4 - Junior Witter

5 - Amir Khan

6 - John Murray

7 - Kell Brook

8 - Jamie Moore

9 - Kevin Mitchell

10 - Nathan Cleverly

Honourable mentions: Clinton Woods, Nicky Cook, Rendall Munroe, Anthony Small and Alex Arthur.