Amir Khan’s been outstanding for British boxing but he’s deluded if he still thinks he’s an elite level fighter
IT WAS a lump-in-the-throat moment when hard-as-nails Dave 'Boy' Green, burst into floods of tears in the middle of the Albert Hall ring.
Though it was 38 years ago I will never forget the sight of the two weight European champion, who gallantly fought Carlos Palamino and Sugar Ray Leonard, for the world welterweight title, sobbing like a baby.
It wasn't because manager Andy Smith had pulled him out after five rounds against Reggie Ford, an average American that had caused Green's emotional meltdown.
Dave along with his fans had been shocked when Smith grabbed the mic and announced the Fen Tiger, was never going to fight again.
Smith watching Green that night realised the fierce fires that had fuelled one of Britain's bravest and most popular fighters had been extinguished for good.
It was the most public retirement there has ever been and once Green had dried his eyes he climbed out of the ropes for the last time to receive a standing ovation.
He was only 28 and went on to indulge his love of golf as a result of becoming a highly successful businessman.
Smith was severely criticised by some people who felt he had publicly humiliated Dave.
But Andy knew he had to act spontaneously. Green like 99 out of 100 fighters wouldn't have wanted to go out a loser and would have found any excuse to have at least one more fight that could have proved disastrous.
If only Amir Khan had an Andy Smith in his corner to do something similar when he quit after Terence Crawford, hit him low in Madison Square Garden, three months ago.
Khan, 32 since winning his Olympic silver medal at 17 has had a glittering career and the two-time world champion has been an outstanding ambassador for British boxing.
Unfortunately Amir still believes he's an elite fighter but I'm afraid he is deluding himself and there appears to be no one who can make him come to terms with it.
He won't admit it but he was being outclassed by Crawford because his speed and reflexes have diminished considerably. From now on his downhill descent will be that much faster.
Multi-millionaire Khan will never have to worry about money.
He should be concentrating on his family and the exemplary charity work he does through the Amir Khan foundation.
Instead he is involved in a meaningless clash with Billy Dib, an over-the-hill Aussie, for the equally futile vacant WBC International welterweight crown in Jeddah next Friday.
Dib held the IBF featherweight title eight years ago. But in the June independent computer rankings he is No. 78 among the nine stone men and No89 in the super-featherweight division. And not among the welterweight top 100.
That means Khan is in more danger of being run over by a camel in the South Arabian resort than being beaten by Dib - which explains why he is 50-1 on.
Coincidentally Boxing News last week interviewed several former world champions and asked them when they realised their fighting days were over. Something Khan should read and digest.
The reality hit Barry McGuigan when he lost his last fight because of a cut eye. McGuigan said: "The flame was flickering and started to go out. I wasn't going to be a journeyman who had one fight too many".
Richie Woodhall, after losing to Joe Calzaghe was told by his father Len: "It's over you're finished son." Richie said "Yeah Dad you're right. Mentally I'd come to the end. I didn't try to argue."
The most poignant remark came from Johnny Nelson who held the WBO world cruiserweight title for six years and went out a winner.
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Johnny said "I left the sport. The sport didn't leave me. That's the nicest feeling."
Ernest Hemingway said: "Retirement is the most obnoxious wording the English" language.
But the American novelist was referring to those of us who don't get hit on the head for a living.