Tough Brit Wally Swift fought on with a broken jaw, he would have cringed at Amir Khan withdrawing after a low blow

WATCHING Amir Khan lose all credibility when he ignominiously quit against Terence Crawford, made me think fondly of tough-as-teak Wally Swift.

Swift was British and European welter and middleweight champion in the 1960’s and appeared to be chiselled from granite.

I shall never forget sitting next to Wally’s corner when he was involved in an unimportant eight rounder at the Albert Hall, overhearing his conversation with manager George Biddles.

Though it was more than 50 years ago it’s still vivid. Swift at the end of the fourth returned to his stool and mumbled: “George me jaws broke.”

Biddles told him: “Right I’ll pull you out.”

Swift’s angry response was “You f***ing won’t” and carried on to win on points despite the agony he was in.

Wally, who died seven years ago would have cringed with embarrassment if he had witnessed Khan’s abject unconditional surrender at New York’s Madison Square Garden, of all places: the Mecca of boxing.

Calling any fighter a quitter is certainly unpalatable. Particularly one as distinguished as Khan, who has shown great courage on numerous occasions during his illustrious 14 year career.

But I’m afraid there’s no hiding from the truth. Amir insisted the low blow Crawford landed hit him in the genitals leaving him so paralysed with pain it was impossible to continue.

Amir has been a shot fighter for some time which his cheerleaders refused to accept. His legs, timing, reflexes, hand speed and punch resistance at world level long gone.

Colin Hart

Having replayed the incident several times it showed conclusively Crawford’s illegal punch landed on the top edge of Khan’s protective cup.

That evidence proves that Khan is definitely unique because his genitals must be several inches higher than the rest of mankind.

There’s no doubt any punch below the belt is extremely painful which is why fighters are allowed a maximum of five minutes to recover.

Khan, sadly after barely two minutes had made up his mind he was far too distressed to continue.

I’m afraid the majority opinion among pundits and his fellow pros is that he used the controversy to save himself from further severe punishment and the distinct possibility of being knocked out.

Khan really had no right to be in the same ring as Crawford. In this column two weeks ago I pointed out it was a mis-match with the American a massive 10-1 on favourite.

Amir has been a shot fighter for some time which his cheerleaders refused to accept. His legs, timing, reflexes, hand speed and punch resistance at world level long gone.

Yet he was still talking about fighting for world titles the day following his capitulation.

He even mentioned the possibility of going in with Errol Spence, the brilliant and dangerous unbeaten IBF welterweight champion. Heaven forbid.

Unfortunately Khan is in denial. Conan O’Brien An American TV comedian’s remark “Where all else fails there’s always delusion” applies to him.

Andy Lee, the former world middleweight champion in the BT studio perfectly summed up Khan’s future when he said: “There are more yesterdays than tomorrows.”

Yet promoter Eddie Hearn, still believes there’s money to be made putting Khan in with his bitter rival Kell Brook.

The North of England welterweight championship might be a big seller in Sheffield High Street, but it’s doubtful if it would create much interest elsewhere.

Eddie would be doing Khan a big favour if he uses his charm, and great powers of persuasion to convince Khan his fighting days are over for good.

What I find most regrettable is that Amir has tarnished his reputation beyond repair and it’s something he’s going to find difficult to live with.