09.11.07 – By James Slater: Tonight, at The Nottingham Arena, U.K, defending British super-middleweight champion Carl Froch did away with challenger, former world champ Robin Reid, in 5 impressive rounds – forcing the former World Boxing Council king to stay on his stool at the end of the fifth.
Froch, aged 30 and now with a pro record of 22-0 (18) proved too much for veteran Reid, who, at age 36, fell to 39-6-1(27) in a fight that will surely signal the end of his career. Reid, nicknamed “The Reaper Man” gave it a good go, but in the end “The Cobra’s” speed, youth and power proved to be too much – overwhelming him and forcing both him and his knowledgeable trainer, Brian Hughes, to accept defeat.
In the first, both men were extremely cautious, content to have a good look at one another. There was also some messy holding going on, for which Reid received a slight warning from referee Dave Parris. A decent left hook upstairs appeared to score for Froch near the end of a quite eventless round. Froch probably just shaded the first three minutes.
In the second, Reid was given another, more severe warning, from the third man in the ring – this time for hitting on the break. Froch then opened up and scored what seemed to be a knockdown with a right hand. Ruled a slip by Parris, the knockdown didn’t count, however. Still it was “The Cobra’s” round – 10-9.
By round three, Reid was looking negative. Froch was much sharper and faster, which was no real surprise. Getting on top of things, the champion forced Reid to the floor right at the very end of the session. The challenger purposely went down, to escape further punishment as much as anything. During the minute’s rest, trainer Hughes warned his fighter that the bout was close to being stopped already.
In the fourth, Reid made a consorted effort to do more. The 36 year-old made an effort with his punches but was simply too slow for the very sharp Froch. There were a few boos from the crowd and it appeared as though Reid was beginning to look a touch fatigued. Robin did manage to open up with his big right hand on a couple of occasions, however. Catching Froch high on the head, Reid had some success. Froch was still landing plenty work of his own though, and won another round – albeit a very close one this time.
The finish came after the end of the fifth. Reid was hanging in there and even beginning to look as though he was growing in confidence, but he was soon on the canvas again. Taking a knee after a sharp right hand to the head, the challenger just beat the count. He was under pressure at the bell and backing off, though, and this was enough for Brian Hughes to suggest calling a halt to the proceedings. Reid asked his trainer for one more round during the break, but this was decided against and his surrender was given.
Froch stopped Reid quicker than any previous opponent had, and though it was a Robin Reid that had clearly seen better days, the result was still a good one for the ultra confident talking “Cobra.” Saying afterwards that a fight with Joe Calzaghe is his main goal, even if it means moving up to light-heavyweight, Froch is keen to prove to all that he is one of the very best – not only in Britain and Europe, but on the world scene.
Tonight’s performance certainly did nothing to suggest that Froch is unable to live up to his boasts.