Los Angeles - Arabstoday
Photograph of Amir Khan's post-fight swollen hands posted on Twitter
Amir Khan is counting the cost of his triumphant return to the ring against Carlos Molina, after the fighter reportedly fractured both of hands during the one-side win.
Khan stopped the unbeaten American at the end of
the 10th round in Los Angeles, on Saturday night to win his first fight under new trainer Virgil Hunter. Afterwards, the Bolton man used social media website Twitter to share a photo of his swollen hands, with a member of the team claiming that both were fractured during the encounter.
Khan is getting medical advice on whether surgery will be required to heal injuries sustained during the crucial victory. History suggests Khan could be out for anything between five to eight months, which is a blow for the 26-year who wants to secure rematches with former conquerors Lamont Peterson and Danny Garcia.
After a comprehensive win on Saturday, Khan challenged world champion Garcia to a rematch, saying "I will fight Garcia anytime, any place, anywhere. I will knock him out. He got lucky last time." The Puerto Rican was ringside with his father Angel Garcia and said he would be happy to "beat Khan again" after his fight with Zab Judah in February.
Khan's comeback win was an impressive rebuilding stoppage in which the British boxer combined defensive and attacking boxing skills to make Molina retire on his stool. He said the new trainer was key in his transformation: "Virgil Hunter, my new coach, is a great trainer and I'm getting better at boxing, being a complete fighter. He's teaching me things, like speed, patience, picking the right shots and when to throw them."
Carlos Molina was cheered on by a loyal hometown support at the Los Angeles Sports Centre, but failed to get close to Khan during the fight.