Date:08/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/08/stories/2008090861381800.htm

Sport - Boxing

Khan knocked out in first round

— PHOTO: AP

DOWN AND OUT: England’s Amir Khan hits the canvas during his first round knockout.

MANCHESTER: British boxer Amir Khan lost his unbeaten record in a shock first round knockout defeat as Breidis Prescott claimed the WBO Intercontinental lightweight title here on Saturday.

The little-known Colombian sent Khan to the canvas before following up and knocking out the Englishman to win the World Boxing Organisation belt at the MEN Arena. Prescott needed just 54 seconds to knock out Khan, who got up after one knockdown only to be sent to the canvas moments later.

Khan, 21, suffered his first defeat in his 19th professional fight and now looks a long way off the top lightweights like Nate Campbell, the American who defends three versions of the world title against the Dominican Republic’s Joan Guzman on September 13.

Khan’s leaky defence was again exposed in his first fight under new trainer Jorge Rubio.

Prescott first winded Khan with a shuddering body shot and when the Lancashire boxer’s hands dropped, the Colombian unleashed a powerful left to the temple.

It was a perfect shot and it left Khan crumpled in a heap on the canvas.

Khan got to his feet but he was on wobbly legs and after being allowed to continue after a count of eight, Prescott launched into Khan with another right-left assault to leave him on the canvas again.

Counted out

This time, Khan was counted out.

Khan, who was floored for the third time in the paid ranks by fellow Englishman Michael Gomez in June, is now left with a rebuilding job to rescue his career from unfulfilled promise. — AFP