By John F. McKenna (McJack): Former World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champion David Haye (26-2, 24 KO’s) is of the opinion that his good buddy Amir Khan (26-3, 18 KO’s) can return to the top level in boxing and again be a champion. “The Hayemaker” who also fought last Saturday night scored a five round TKO over Derek Chisora (15-4, 9 KO’s).

Khan suffered a 4th round TKO at the hands of WBA/WBC and Ring Magazine light welterweight champion Danny Garcia (24-0, 15 KO’s) on Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Khan won the first two rounds handily and appeared to be setting the groundwork for a clear victory. Amir was then caught in the 3rd round with a vicious left hook from which he never recovered. Khan crumpled to the canvas from the effects of Garcia’s left hook. He managed to get to his feet and survive the round but was pummeled to the canvas two more times in the 4th round whereupon referee Kenny Bayless wisely stopped the contest.

Haye was quoted in “Bettor.com” saying:

“I watched the fight and he (Khan) was in full control. I believe he has got the beating of Garcia. Garcia is a very good opponent but he just got caught with a punch.

“Lennox Lewis, one of the greatest fighters of all time, got took out with one punch. It happens. Roberto Duran got knocked out by Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns. Did he retire after that? No he came back, and became world champion again.”

Haye does not agree with fellow Brit Carl Froch, who called on Khan to retire after his shocking defeat Saturday night. Khan bristled at Froch’s suggestion that he retire and responded that Froch can retire if he wants to but at 25 he has a lot of fight left in him and has no intention to retire.

If Khan is able to return to top form he needs to mature somewhat as a fighter and heed the advice of five time trainer of the year Freddie Roach. Amir has lost two consecutive fights which he was heavily favored to win.

Khan has been heavily criticized for not fighting to his strengths and for not following the instructions of his corner. Instead Amir has gone to the press with the claim that he has not received the full attention of Roach. But Roach’s suggestion for Khan to box Garcia was totally ignored after it appeared that had the fight under control after the 2nd round. In addition Amir’s left jab was largely non existent against Garcia.