Boxing: Laing has eyes for Honeyghan

KIRKLAND LAING, the former British and European welterweight champion, took less than three rounds to win his comeback fight at York Hall, Bethnal Green, last night.

A right uppercut brought a sudden end to Laing's 50th professional fight, against the Tanzanian, Bozon Houle, the referee stopping the fight as Houle crumpled.

The eccentric Laing retired after being knocked out by Canada's Donovan Boucher in a Commonwealth title fight in April 1991, but he was clearly in good condition at 10st 10lb last night, a few pounds above his best weight in his prime.

Laing's trademark signs were still in evidence - the dreadlocks tied in a ponytail and arms slung low at his side; only the old reflexes were missing, although he produced a sharp four-punch combination before the sudden finish.

'It felt great to be back,' Laing said. 'The fight I want now is against Lloyd Honeyghan. That's one the public would want to see. It would be a sell-out.'