TASIF Khan returned to the Bradford ring with a powerful show against Julias Kisarawe of Tanzania.

A delay to Kisarawe's visa meant there was no belt on the line for the contest with Girlington's reigning WBU and GBU champion – but that did not detract from the action for city fight fans.

Both boxers took the fight to each other in the opening rounds at the Royal Taj, formerly the Connaught Rooms.

Favourite Khan then started to get into his flow in the third as his power and speed undid the Tanzanian, who took a brief trip to the canvas.

The experienced Kisarawe, with 14 knock-outs on his record, tried to respond in kind in a furious fourth.

But Khan withstood the barrage and stepped up a couple of gears to pin his opponent into a corner in the middle rounds.

As the home fighter's pressure increased, Kisarawe was opened up again in the seventh and went down for a second time.

He managed to make the count but looked in some distress and referee James Ancliff saved him from further punishment.

Khan, his team and fans celebrated in the ring for the next half hour after an impressive victory. He is expected to be in action again in December.