Reid confident ahead of Froch clash by Tom Podmore Nov 7th 2007

Former WBC super-middleweight champion Robin Reid has promised to end the world title aspirations of British champion Carl Froch when they meet for the Lonsdale belt on Hennessy Sports and GoldenPalace.net's show at the Nottingham Arena on Friday night (November 9). At yesterday's press conference at the Alea Casino, Nottingham, the Runcorn puncher boasted that everyone would see the ‘Reaperman' that pushed Joe Calzaghe in 1999 and flattened Vincenzo Nardiello for the World Boxing Council belt in 1997. Reid, 39-5-1 (27), said: I wasn't in the right frame of mind for the Lacy fight, I had a lot of problems. You will see the real Robin Reid on Friday evening. I'm 110 per cent mentally prepared for battle. “I respect Froch and he's powerful and has an awkward style," continued the 36-year-old from the North West. “He's been in with some good boxers, but I've been in with some big hitters over the years. I can still take a shot. “I've been there and done it. I don't need to box as I have business interests outside the ring. But I never fought for the British title, I went straight for the world belt. “So this is my chance to win a Lonsdale belt; my chance to beat Carl Froch. “I've read what he's said but I'm not going to get in a war of words with him. I just want a new belt to add to my collection. I've been training for over two months and I'm coming to Nottingham to win, to get another win on my record. “As I have previously said, I have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain. You will see the best Robin Reid ever on Friday,” the Brian Hughes-trained fighter added in the Nottingham Evening Post. Unbeaten British champion Froch, rated at number two in the WBC's latest rankings, doesn't believe the Cheshire-based boxer has what it takes to go the twelve-round distance with him. However, he hopes Reid can take him a few rounds. “I used to watch Robin when I was an amateur and I thought he beat Joe Calzaghe for the WBO world title,” said Rob McCracken-trained Carl, 21-0 (17). “I respect his achievements in boxing. But I won't have any respect during the fight. This is my fourth defence and I am looking to dominate the world from next year. “I'm here to do a complete job on Robin Reid. I honestly don't think he's got what it takes to beat me. “My last two opponents – Tony Dodson and world-rated Sergey Tatevosyan – didn't manage five rounds between them. The fans will probably feel they haven't had their money's worth. Hopefully, he will bring a lot more to the table. “But, make no mistake, he is getting beaten on Friday night. He knows that. I can't see him going twelve rounds with Carl Froch when I'm firing on all cylinders. “I'm going to be a legend in this sport,” rounded-off the former World Amateur bronze medallist and double ABA champion. Unbeaten Manchester prospect John Murray and West Bromwich puncher Dean Hickman box for the vacant English lightweight title in a sure-to-be explosive chief support.

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