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Robin Reid came through his first fight in over three years on Saturday night to continue his preparation for Prizefighter Super-Middleweights II at Liverpool’s Olympia on Wednesday 23 March.
The 40 year-old claimed a points decision against Jamie Ambler at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton, with the ‘Grim Reaper’ tasting action for the first time since losing a British title fight against Carl Froch in November 2007.
Reid was heavily linked with a spot in the line-up of the last event – the Light-Heavyweights II in February – and after conversations with Matchroom Sport’s managing director Eddie Hearn, he decided that he wanted to get back into action when the 17th edition of the eight-man, one-night tournaments is staged at the Liverpool Olympia.
Durable journeyman Ambler has fought 57 times since his debut in December 2007 and Reid said he was delighted to get back in the ring and be tested ahead of the live Sky Sports showdown in three weeks time.
“Saturday was a real buzz and it felt so good to step back into the ring,” said Reid. “I knew I would be rusty but that was the whole point of having the fight before Prizefighter. I’m glad I got the four rounds under my belt because it’s got some of the cobwebs out of the way even though I know I have plenty of work to do before the 23rd.
“Whoever I get in the draw it’s going to be tough as its all these boys’ world title fights but I’m confident I can come through this tough battle.”
Victory in Bolton took Reid’s record to 40-6-1 and means his career now spans 18 years, but despite having this experience behind him, there was one person he had to get past before returning to the ring.
“I know it sounds silly, as I’ve just turned 40, but when making any big decision I always still ask my Mum,” Reid told the Liverpool Echo. “She has always made the right decisions and had she said ‘Rob, I don’t want you to do it and get hurt’ then I would’ve totally respected that and would not be making the comeback. If she had though I was too old, then this would not be happening, but she doesn’t think so.”
Reid is joined in the line-up by two fellow Liverpudlians in former British champion Tony Quigley and Commonwealth title challenger Carl Dilks and Matchroom Sport can confirm the names of three more hungry young fighters in the mix.
Leicester fighter Jahmaine Smyle (Leicester, 24), Enzo Maccarinelli’s highly-rated nephew Tobias Webb (Swansea, 22) and Leeds’ Wayne Reed (23) take the line-up to six fighters with the final boxer to be named soon.
Tickets for Prizefighter Super Middleweights II at Liverpool Olympia on Wednesday 23 March are available from Matchroom Sport priced £30 unreserved, £50 ringside and £100 VIP – to buy call Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.
