Amir Khan believes there could be "a few more twists and turns" in David Haye's career but will back the former heavyweight champion should he stand by his decision to retire this week.

Londoner Haye has always insisted he would quit when he turns 31 tomorrow and has reportedly informed the British Boxing Board of Control he will not renew his fighter's licence.

However, Haye - who lost in his big unification clash with Wladimir Klitschko in July - is believed to be willing to postpone his retirement should a fight with his conqueror's brother Vitali be agreed.

Whatever move he makes, his friend Khan, the WBA/IBF light-welterweight champion, believes he can hold his head high.

Khan said in The Sun: "What people tend to forget is that you are only ever one fight away from being badly hurt, so why does David need to take that kind of a risk against the big punchers like the Klitschko brothers?

"When you put your heart and your mind into something like he has, then you have to go with it. He knows his body better than anyone else and knows why he wants to walk away before he is 31."

Khan, though, believes Haye may be persuaded to add another chapter to his fighting story.

"I'm sure there will be a few more twists and turns in this story of Haye vs Klitschko," he added.

"And there is no reason why Haye wouldn't emerge on top if there is ever a next time - whatever brother he fights.

"There is so much for Haye to be proud of despite the criticism he received after he dropped a points verdict to Wladimir in Germany."

Fellow British favourite Ricky Hatton urged Haye to go out with a bang rather than hanging his gloves up on the back of a defeat.

The 'Hitman', who struggled to cope with inactivity after losing his last fight to Manny Pacquiao in 2009, said in The Sun: "David Haye should fight on to secure his legacy.

"He will be the first to admit he is better than his last performance against Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko.

"And I have a feeling in my water he might yet give it one last go."

Former light-welterweight and welterweight world champion Hatton added: "His last fight is how most people will remember him, just as people remember me for mine - getting knocked out by Manny Pacquiao.

"For David, it was the night he came second to Klitschko and the manner of his defeat.

"That is why I believe Haye should fight on, to set the record straight - but I totally respect the decision he has come to."

Tags: Amir Khan , David Haye , Ricky Hatton