By James Slater – Various news outlets are reporting how it looks very likely that Britain’s Robin Reid, the former WBC 168-pound champion, will make a return to the ring in January, to take part in the latest instalment of the hugely successful “Prizefighter” tournament. The Jan. 29th tourney, which will take place at light-heavyweight, will also feature top British name Tony Dodson as well as a number of unbeaten, up-and-coming fighters. It will be “The Grim Reaper,” though, who grabs the headlines if he does indeed take part..
A fine fighter in his day, Reid, 39-6-1(27) boxed in the 1992 Olympics, winning a bronze medal. Turning pro in 1993, Reid romped to 21-0-1 and then went to Italy to relieve Vincenzo Nardiello of his WBC belt. Three retentions followed and then, in 1999, Reid gave WBO ruler Joe Calzaghe one of the Welshman’s hardest ever fights. To this day, some fans argue how the Runcorn man deserved the split decision that went to Cazlaghe.
All of this was a long, long time ago, however, and we do not know how much if anything Robin will have left now. Now aged 39 and inactive since his November 2007, 5th-round corner retirement loss to Carl Froch, Reid will be up against it in “Prizefighter” if he does return. Though he may well get matched with a couple of “novice” opponents in January, Reid is sure to be rusty. Then there’s his punch resistance. Against “The Cobra,” Reid looked to have virtually nothing left.
It seems Reid is like so many other former champions, in that he misses the sport and cannot stay away for good. An exciting fighter at times, as well as an unlucky one (who can forget the shameful way in which he was so blatantly robbed of a win in his fight with Germany’s Sven Ottke in December of 2003?), Reid will possibly be welcomed back by an enthusiastic audience. Of course, Reid and his team have yet to officially announce the return, and it may not actually happen.
But with so many news sources reporting on the strong possibility of a Reid return, chances are it will happen. Can Reid return and pick up the “Prizefighter” trophy along with the £32,000 prize money? And if so, will the win lead to something bigger for “The Grim Reaper?”