HUMBLED ... Amir Khan reflects on a bruising defeat
Published: Today at 10:57
AMIR KHAN was made to pay for claiming he was a 'superstar' as Danny Garcia ripped the WBA light-welterweight title from his grasp.
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With Khan looking to step up to welterweight and secure a money-spinning fight
with Floyd Mayweather, Garcia brought his world crashing down around him.
Bolton ace Khan went into the fight in Las Vegas as the overwhelming favourite — despite the fact Garcia holds the prestigious WBC crown.
The 25-year-old was looking to make a statement but was floored three times on the way to being saved from further punishment by referee Kenny Bayless, who waved the fight off in the fourth round.
And while Garcia stretched his unbeaten record to 24 fights, Khan was left to reflect on what could have been.
He said: "It wasn't my night. After watching the replays a little bit I thought I was coming in with my hands down and Danny took advantage.
"I respect Danny, he was countering very well against me."
Khan flew out of the blocks and quickly landed a beautiful left hook-right
hand combination.
He easily won the first round with sharp, attacking jabs and hooks, while Garcia landed two right crosses and a low blow.
Garcia scored with a right in the second but Khan retaliated immediately.
The Brit came out on top in the second session but had to absorb a few body shots as Garcia switched tactics in an attempt to get a foothold in the fight.
Garcia was cut over his right eye during that round, though it was unclear whether a clash of heads rather than a punch had done the damage.
Khan landed an excellent left in the third which Garcia shrugged off well and the tide eventually showed signs of turning.
The fight exploded before the end of the round as a left hook from Garcia floored Khan.
He got to his feet quickly enough but was clearly going to have to get through the session on guts and instinct alone.
Bayless surprisingly allowed it to go on and the Briton was saved by the bell as Garcia had him struggling again with a massive right and a left on the bell.
Khan looked in better shape for the fourth but Garcia was in no mood to let
him off the hook.
He was determined to force the stoppage and Khan was soon down again, this time from a right, which saw him trip on the rope.
Khan somehow survived and managed to fire shots of his own as the two men stood and traded stinging blows.
But he was down for a third time after being caught by a glancing left and right to the temple.
And although he got up quickly once again. Bayless had seen enough.
Khan added: "We got a little complacent and he took advantage and he caught me.
"I was a little surprised the referee stopped it. I thought he was going to let us continue.
"My mind was clear and I thought my legs were OK but I respect the referee, the judges and the commission — maybe they made the right call."
Garcia, who came close to pulling off his pre-fight predicition of a
third-round KO, said: "I always knew I was going to win this fight.
"I needed a great fighter in front of me to show how good a fighter I am.
"Now everyone knows I'm a killer. I will fight anyone, anywhere, anytime.
"We knew Khan was going to come out fast because he thought I had no power but I waited and stepped up to use the power and speed I have — and it worked.
"I was going to fight until the death, just like he did. Now I want to continue to fight the best."
Bolton ace Khan went into the fight in Las Vegas as the overwhelming favourite — despite the fact Garcia holds the prestigious WBC crown.
The 25-year-old was looking to make a statement but was floored three times on the way to being saved from further punishment by referee Kenny Bayless, who waved the fight off in the fourth round.
And while Garcia stretched his unbeaten record to 24 fights, Khan was left to reflect on what could have been.
He said: "It wasn't my night. After watching the replays a little bit I thought I was coming in with my hands down and Danny took advantage.
"I respect Danny, he was countering very well against me."
TUMBLING DOWN ... Amir Khan hits the canvas
He easily won the first round with sharp, attacking jabs and hooks, while Garcia landed two right crosses and a low blow.
Garcia scored with a right in the second but Khan retaliated immediately.
The Brit came out on top in the second session but had to absorb a few body shots as Garcia switched tactics in an attempt to get a foothold in the fight.
Garcia was cut over his right eye during that round, though it was unclear whether a clash of heads rather than a punch had done the damage.
Khan landed an excellent left in the third which Garcia shrugged off well and the tide eventually showed signs of turning.
The fight exploded before the end of the round as a left hook from Garcia floored Khan.
He got to his feet quickly enough but was clearly going to have to get through the session on guts and instinct alone.
Bayless surprisingly allowed it to go on and the Briton was saved by the bell as Garcia had him struggling again with a massive right and a left on the bell.
JUST CHAMPION ... Danny Garcia celebrates
He was determined to force the stoppage and Khan was soon down again, this time from a right, which saw him trip on the rope.
Khan somehow survived and managed to fire shots of his own as the two men stood and traded stinging blows.
But he was down for a third time after being caught by a glancing left and right to the temple.
And although he got up quickly once again. Bayless had seen enough.
Khan added: "We got a little complacent and he took advantage and he caught me.
"I was a little surprised the referee stopped it. I thought he was going to let us continue.
"My mind was clear and I thought my legs were OK but I respect the referee, the judges and the commission — maybe they made the right call."
ALL OVER ... ref Kenny Bayless waves the fight off
"I needed a great fighter in front of me to show how good a fighter I am.
"Now everyone knows I'm a killer. I will fight anyone, anywhere, anytime.
"We knew Khan was going to come out fast because he thought I had no power but I waited and stepped up to use the power and speed I have — and it worked.
"I was going to fight until the death, just like he did. Now I want to continue to fight the best."
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