Gone in 54 seconds ... Amir Khan's world smashed by first-round knockout

Going: Amir Khan knocked down by Breidis Prescott

Khan recently replaced trainer Oliver Harrison with Miami-based former Cuban
Olympic coach Jorge Rubio, putting particular emphasis on improving his defence
after being floored by Michael Gomez in his last fight and previously by Willie
Limond and Rachid Drilzane.

And those new defensive tactics looked set to be immediately tested by the
dangerous-looking Prescott, who arrived from Barranquilla with an unbeaten
record of 17 knockouts in 19 wins - albeit against opponents of a questionable
standard.

Khan, 21, the current Commonwealth lightweight champion, was conceding height
and natural weight advantage against an opponent used to campaigning at
light-welterweight in previous fights.

He rushed straight out upon the first bell and landed his trademark short,
sharp jabs and hooks.

But Prescott fired back unabashed to keep Khan at bay as the pair traded in the
first few moments.

Going: Amir Khan with the referee after hitting the canvas

The lanky Colombian produced a punishing left hook that left Khan wobbly on his
feet before another sent the Lancastrian crashing to the canvas.

Even after regaining his feet, Khan was unstable and could have been stopped by
referee Terry O'Connor.

And when Prescott steamed in again immediately, Khan was caught by a brilliant
left hand that saw him sprawling backwards and back on the floor.

This time he was unable to beat the count, leaving his world title dreams in
tatters.

Khan, who confirmed he was not hurt, insisted this was not the end of his world
title dreams.

Gone: Amir Khan on the canvas

He told Sky: "I made a little mistake and just couldn't get it back again.
That's boxing for you. I need to have a look at the video and come back
stronger.

"I'm fine. I need to go back to the drawing board and put it right. I'm going
to come back and I'm going to come back stronger."

Promoter Frank Warren revealed Prescott was recommended as an opponent for Khan by Rubio.

"I've got to take responsibility," Warren said. "He got caught cold first
round. We knew he was a dangerous puncher and, as Amir said, it's back to the
drawing board. Hopefully he'll learn from it.

"He's not the first fighter to get beat. Lots of fighters get beaten and come
back and win world titles."