Khan: what was he doing?

To some extent, we're all guilty of hyping boxing up - we also crave stars and hope that fighters are as good as we first thought. What can't be over-hyped is the shock of this.

Adam Smith
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PRIZEFIGHTER
The Heavyweights
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Also see

• Prescott 'was Khan's choice'
• Prescott - I told you so
• Khan KO'd
• I'll be back, vows Khan


• Watt - A step too far

We're all still trying to get our breath back and our thoughts together after one of the biggest shocks in a British ring since Sky started covering boxing.

Fifty-four chilling and compelling seconds were all that were needed to turn Amir Khan's life upside down and rock British boxing to the core. The speed of it all was quite surreal. 'Khanage' is what it was.

In the front row at ringside, I had a sensational view. As Breidis Prescott got into the ring, I stood alongside him and his sheer size at lightweight - on the night - was apparent straight away.

Then I just couldn't believe the naivety showed by Khan. What was he doing charging in against a youngster who had knocked out 17 of his 19 opponents, many very early? Beforehand, he told us that he would tuck up, look at Prescott and break him down.

So why the sudden rush of blood? He literally sprinted into a puncher's lair. Add Prescott's underrated qualities to the mix too.

Khan was hurt by the first real jab to land, then the temple shot and the following combination. He did well to even get to his feet. Arguably referee Terry O'Connor could have stopped the fight there and then. Seconds later, as Khan was dropped again, he did.

Khan was brave and spirited as he tried to fight on, but his punch resistance looks a serious problem. It had been highlighted before - Craig Watson floored him in the amateurs; Rachid Drilzane, Willie Limond and Michael Gomez have all decked him in the pros. I've noticed that his legs are remarkably thin too; maybe this doesn't help his cause.

Sadness

When he went down for the first time against Prescott, I felt a real sadness. I had really enjoyed our short time together in the build-up - he's a decent man from a decent family. But quickly I realised there is no real place for much emotion.

Especially as one man's misfortune is another's gain. Give Prescott his credit. To see him talking to his mum on the phone joyously backstage reminded me of when another South American banger Acelino Freitas used to fight over here. But Freitas was a star and a name; Prescott was dismissed by most - only his closest were there for support.

My other immediate thought was would Khan ever truly recover? Physically, of course. But mentally? And what about his future opponents? They will be hunting him down from the off.

To some extent, we're all guilty of hyping the sport up - we also crave stars and hope that fighters are as good as we first thought. What can't be over-hyped is the shock of this. I didn't meet many beforehand outside of Team Prescott who gave their man a prayer. I did get a text from the eccentric and fun Watford character Ojay Abrahams who said that Khan would go and quickly. How right he was. The rest of us were as naive as Khan steaming out like a raw novice.

Critics have been out of the starting blocks as quickly as Khan was back on his stool cutting a forlorn figure. He's virtually been written off, largely due to the manner of his loss. Reverberations are still being felt.

So who's to blame? Khan must take the most responsibility. It was his foolish decision to ignore any pre-fight tactics.

With little footage to go on, why did Team Khan take the risk? New trainer Jorge Rubio and promoter Frank Warren seem to have got it badly wrong. Was astute matchmaker Dean Powell not involved in discussions? It just seems to me a monumental mess up at this stage; his first appearance on Sky Box Office ending in humiliation. Talk about a script that's been torn up and thrown straight out of the window.

Hunger

Prescott told us this would happen. He comes from a poor background and that gives you added hunger. For the brief time we saw him, he looked quick, powerful and more exciting than we had thought. But still the odds were astonishing - 125-1 in Round One! Write in if you had a piece of that. You may have been the only person.

I think this is one of the biggest surprises here since Lennox Lewis lost to Oliver McCall. Lennox slowly managed to recover; and the rest is history. Joe Bugner returned after being stopped on his pro debut. Few would have picked Bugner to eventually go the distance with Ali and Frazier.

John Ruiz was blitzed by David Tua in 19 seconds and went on to become a world champion. Yet brilliant former amateur of the eighties Errol Christie lost his unbeaten record in his 14th fight, in 46 seconds, to Jose Says and unfortunately his chin let him down time and again after that.

Anyone can get caught cold. But it is a long road back. Nigel Benn, Frank Bruno and David Haye cracked it and Amir has the right attitude. He was not only in touch on Sunday, but also back in the gym. He puts it down to a simple mistake and promises he will come back stronger.

He's young, very determined, and a diligent trainer so maybe that will be the case. He still has super skills and talent. One can't totally write Khan off. It would be wonderful to see him return and dazzle again.

To sum up, I still can't quite believe it. However sad one is for Khan, there is happiness for Prescott. That is why it is such a magnetic and dramatic sport - and it always keeps us on the edge of our seats. Can Khan come back? He'll try very hard and we wish him well.

Knockdowns

This Friday sees the return of Prizefighter - where plenty more knockdowns and action is guaranteed. You remember the exciting format. Eight heavyweights brawling it out for 3x3 minute rounds with a £25,000 cheque for the winner.

A good bunch are heading to Newcastle too. The beauty is that any one could win. Unbeaten Chris Burton's the favourite. Sam Sexton could be next best. I have had a sneaky feeling that this might suit erratic southpaw Lee Swaby, whose odds have come right in.

Whatever happens, a fabulous night's on the cards, and boy do we need it after last week - when the lights went out for our brightest young star.

Did you clean up when Khan got cleaned out? What next for the boy from Bolton? Do you agree with Adam's assessment? Let us know by filling in the feedback form below...