Amir Khan stops Carlos Molina in the tenth round

Britain's Amir Khan returned to winning ways after two tough defeats with a comprehensive 10th round stoppage of previously unbeaten American Carlos Molina in a light-welterweight contest on Saturday.

After two heavy defeats, Khan's career is back on track
After two heavy defeats, Khan's career is back on track

Amir Khan plainly was not the hometown fighter Saturday, but his impressive speed and pinpoint jabs in a superb display of boxing won him some deep local appreciation.

Khan's rapid-fire assault against previously unbeaten Carlos Molina of Norwalk forced Molina's corner to stop the bout after 10 rounds, blood streaming from near their fighter's left eye after he'd spent the evening being beaten to the punch.

For England's Khan (27-3, 19 knockouts), the victory in front of 6,109 at the Sports Arena represented some long-awaited redemption after two consecutive losses and his decision to fire famed trainer Freddie Roach and replace him with Virgil Hunter.

An increased reliance on his boxing skill, and a determination to accentuate defensive withdrawals when necessary and pepper his opponent with speedy punches, paid off richly for Khan. He out-landed Molina in punches, 312-87, and won all 10 rounds on each of the three judges' scorecards.

Khan entered the arena desperate for a win. On the heels of consecutive losses — a controversial split-decision to hometown fighter Lamont Peterson in Washington, D.C., last December, and a stunning fourth-round technical knockout defeat against Danny Garcia in July — he was eager to adhere to a strategy of avoiding unwise engagement, retreating from trouble and hitting with quick combinations.

Khan's performance leaves him positioned for a rematch with Garcia, although he might fight again before that, perhaps against Riverside's Josesito Lopez in April at Staples Center.