The undefeated twenty-year old from Bolton had been widely tipped to win the vacant IBF inter-continental light welterweight belt contest, but any hopes from Khan's travelling army of fans that he would record another quick-fire victory, were quickly dispelled.
Drilzane showed a solid chin in the first few rounds, as Khan displayed few nerves in his first title fight, getting to work with some excellent, well-timed punches, that the Frenchman did well to withstand.
It was Khan's first ten round contest and when he took a standing count after going down in the seventh round, with Drilzane showing he was more than capable of throwing some good punches himself, many young boxers might have let the nerves creep in.
However, the Olympic Silver medalist rose to challenge in the next round, hitting straight back with some lightning fast combinations that reminded both his opponent and the audience just why he's tipped for the very top.
The final rounds saw a fearless Drilzane continue to battle hard, but it was Khan who had the class and his repeated jabbing meant that the result was never in any real doubt, with Khan recording a unanimous points win.
Khan, whose first ten professional bouts were as a lighweight now looks set to continue in that weight division, after moving to light welterweight for the title fight. He will have to relinquish his new title in the process, but the experience gained may well prove invaluable in the future.