Spider's bout was hot ticket Big names in ring for Prizefighter

Pat Myer

BILLY 'Spider' Kelly, who died in Derry last weekend at the age of 78, is probably the only boxer in history to have fought for a major title in a bus garage.

His challenge for Ray Famechon's European featherweight title at the Donnybrook depot in May 1955 resulted in a close decision win for the Frenchman -- and sparked off a riot by Kelly's supporters.

Promoter Jack Solomons had a bucket of water poured over his head and the Dutch referee was punched and threatened with lynching as gardaí escorted him to safety. Kelly emulated his father, Jim 'Spider' Kelly, by winning the British and Empire featherweight titles, and finished his career in 1962 with a record of 56 wins, 23 defeats and four draws.

Khan targets date with Mayweather

AMIR KHAN, who defends his WBA light-welterweight title against Paulie Malignaggi in New York tonight, says he would love to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr -- but not yet.

In two years' time, if Mayweather is still around, the fight could happen, said the Bolton fighter, who sees his ring future in the US.

"In a couple of years, I should have had three or four more fights and Mayweather will be coming to the end of his career. It's a fight I would love to have," said Khan.

Tonight's bout is live on UTV at 2.45am, with repeats at 10.30am and on ITV4 at 7.30pm tomorrow.

Big names in ring for Prizefighter

WAYNE McCullough and former European champion Esham Pickering will certainly have the edge in experience over their rivals in Barry Hearn's next Prizefighter event at London's York Hall on May 29.

However, McCullough, who will be 40 in July, hasn't fought for two years, while Pickering, 36, who lost to Bernard Dunne in Dublin four years ago, has lost his last four contests. The other contestants, with all fights over three rounds on the same night, are Craig Lyon, Mark Moran, Ricky Owen, Gavin Reid, Chris Riley and Josh Wale. It will be live on Sky Sports.

Quote of the week

"I will shock the world. This is my time. Klitschko has ruled the heavyweight world for long enough"

-- Poland's Albert Sosnowski on his challenge for Vital Klitschko's WBC heavyweight title on May 29.