It was a result largely unexpected here in the UK - due, in part, to the twin deceptions of partisan hopes and a blinkered understanding of Khan's opponent.
But already, as quickly as the nation was saluting a British champion in the making, the critics were out to pillory their ex-Golden Boy after the loss against Breidis Prescott on 6th September 2008.
It was the speed and manner of the defeat that left the viewing public and ringside spectators shell-shocked.
There is no doubt that Khan failed to impress in this stern test of his credentials - but the speed within which we built up Khan as a hero and then derided him as a bum, is disconcerting (but alas, not unusual).
Barely had the last blow from Breidis Prescott registered, than witnesses - reporters, pundits, TV analysts and other "experts" - were drawing their swords, ready to dissect a young man who's career so far had featured a Silver medal at the Olympics and a fight record, going into the fight, of 18 wins (15 by KO) and no defeats.
One tactical misoperation against Breidis later and the the sparkle of Amir Khan's light dimmed in the nation's eyes.
The fight plan was all wrong. Prescott is an expert hitter and a hard puncher. Khan's enthusiasm to take the fight to him, opened him up and allowed the Colombian to gain leverage. Once the blows started registering, the momentum swung in favour of the aggressor. Khan had no answer.
It is no secret that Khan has found it difficult against heavy handed opponents in the past- he has already been dropped to the canvas in prior fights (although, in those instances, he managed to rise up and win).
It is also a truth that there are many boxers with great amateur records who have failed to reach the summit when they turned pro. Many are now asking whether Khan has reached the limit of his capabilities.
Is Khan a genuine force in World Boxing? Who knows. How good he is is a question he may be asking himself right now, although there were positive comments emerging from Khan post-fight. He knows he has a long road to recovery ahead and I'm sure he's already thinking about walking it.
There's no doubt that boy will be doubting himself. He's going to need to address his weaknesses (namely his chin) and learn to be patient (a lack of which caused him to come unstuck against Prescott).
The jab was absent and the movement behind it jittery and ineffective.
These are things Khan will work with his trainer to iron out come his next fight.
Khan is only 21. He's still young enough to recover from this setback. Unfortunately, in a culture that demands success instantly, time is something some of us are reluctant to hand over...but we must if we want to see him go far.
One fight does not make a champion - and by that same token, nor does losing one prevent you from becoming a champion.
I am convinced it is all hyperbole fuelled by the media - both in building Khan up to mythological proportions and in dismantling him when he failed to live up to the Goliath reputation.
The boy is a good fighter, no doubt, but is he the best?
Let's give him another opportunity to prove himself. Then we'll be closer to knowing the truth.
Khan's next move will be crucial, question marks will hang over him until he meets a smililarly dangerous opponent as Prescott - and wins.
Nothing short of a convincing victory against a tough opponent will be enough to change the public's splintered opinion of him.
Khan lost his head that night (both metaphorically and literally) and struggled to keep up with his opponent and adapt to the game plan.
He lost his head under pressure, and suffered for it and it's important we, as supporters, don't lose ours either.
He has had a taster of defeat, seen how difficult it was for him to maintain his thoughts under the heat, but he knows he's got to keep his cool from now on.
It's a cliche precisely because it's a truism.
The onus is on Khan to ignore both his detractors and those that praise him. He's going to need careful management and rebuild his confidence. He'll need to discipline himself and pore over those tapes and get back to working quietly and surely, one thought in mind: to convince us he's a champion in the making.
We have to let him.
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