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Robin Reid has one last chance to become a major world champion, and if he does so against America’s Jeff Lacy, not one person could say he did not earn it. Lacy would already be a major attraction if he was placed anywhere else than in the super middleweight division, where champions like to defend |
their titles against mandatory contenders rather than risk unifications. Lacy is strong and has explosive power but he does have fundamental flaws that, while making him that much more exciting, do give Robin Reid considerable encouragement for this weekend’s main event. The true extent of Lacy’s power might well be tested against Reid, as the Briton has yet to suffer a single stoppage in his long career. Lacy may not remain as a super middleweight champion for long with the lure of huge matches against Jermain Taylor and Antonio Tarver either side of his weight class, but if Reid has his way, Lacy will be a champion for an even lesser time than anyone reckons.
The SaddoBoxing writer’s predictions are in for our return to bigtime boxing action, and the beginning of a hot August in the fight game. Read what our staff writer’s have to say on this exciting match-up.
Mark DeSisto: Robin Reid is going to have to be one determined man who digs very deep to get a victory over the relentless Jeff Lacy. Reid appears to have the formula to solve Lacy: Counterpunching skills to capitalize on the freely swinging, hittable Lacy, along with the granite chin to absorb Lacy’s relentless assault. Reid’s got some pop as his very respectable KO ratio shows, but hasn’t knocked out anyone since 2003, and all the ranked fighters during Reid’s peak years from1997-2002 were able to remain upright, as will Lacy with his proven chin and mettle. Reid’s age (thirty-four) and recent activity level do not serve him well here. “The Grim Reaper” is catching a monster at the wrong time.
Lacy isn’t quite the concussive puncher many believe. It took a tremendous volume of punches for Lacy to finally get the standing TKO’s on Rubin Williams and Syd Vanderpool more than halfway through those fights. Omar Sheika was impressively able to hang in with “Left Hook “ for the full twelve rounds, absorbing some pretty good punishment while stunning Lacy early and fighting on even terms halfway through that bout. Lacy’s biggest asset in his more recent title fights has been his unwavering attack and relentlessness while under counterpunching fire. I was actually laughing at the intensity of the exchanges between Lacy and Williams while Williams was hanging on the ropes landing one flush counter for every four bombs (some landing) that Lacy reigned down until finally the referee had to intervene and say that’s enough. Lacy is a training fanatic, hitting his physical peak with a world-class corner, and can only improve upon his impressive accomplishments. I may have tipped this fight to Reid five years ago, but not now, not against one of the most prideful and strong-willed fighters today that just loves fighting in the ring. Lacy by late TKO or unanimous decision if Reid’s chin is as advertised.
Jim Cawkwell: The nature of this fight may depend on which Robin Reid happens to arrive in Florida. I am aware that the power Lacy possesses could influence the fight his way regardless of what Reid does, but Reid is such an erratic performer that his side is one that I feel deserves special consideration. On one hand, Reid may fight to the death as he did against Joe Calzaghe, then, and perhaps still considered the best super middleweight in the world. On the other, Reid can drive spectators insane with subdued performances in which his fighting spirit seems to disappear, and aside from a late rounds knockdown against Silvio Branco, that spirit has not returned in such instances. Reid has been something of an enigma in the build-up to this fight, incommunicado to the media and one wonders what is brewing beneath the surface. Reid is by far the toughest test of Lacy’s career, and if Lacy has prepared appropriately, I think he can snuff the fight out of Reid and take a hard-fought decision.
Lee Bellfield: There are more details on this one if you refer to my pre-fight analysis on this site. I really think Robin has a chance in this one. His counterpunching style and granite chin will serve him well. Also, since I wrote my previous analysis Reid has been showing some anger on the way he has been treated over in the States with such things as hotel bills etc. Hopefully, this will fire Robin up even more. As for Lacy, he can punch and Robin will be aware of this. I am going to say that Robin wins this one for the North of England by counterpunching his way to a points win.
James MacDonald: This is a hard one to call for me. There’s no doubt that Reid has the ability to beat, in my opinion, the vastly overrated Jeff Lacy. It’s his inconsistency that has consistently hurt his career, however. Will that be the case this time? Who knows? That’s what makes this fight so tough to predict for me. It’s not that Reid can’t beat Lacy. It’s that the Reid capable of doing so might not show up. I’m going to go out on a limb and say Reid by split decision. Reid’s chin has held up time and again and I feel it will be no different this time. Combine that with Reid’s underrated skill as a fighter and the ingredients for an upset are there. For Lacy’s part, this may be one of those fights where he has to grind out a result. It could also be the fight where he wins me over. And despite its relatively modest coverage, it could turn out to be a cracking fight. I just have a feeling that Lacy may be exposed in this one and that Reid may realize his potential.
Shaun Rico LaWhorn: Jeff Lacy has been advertising himself for a big fight and you have to commend him for his urge. Now he has a test in front of him with Robin Reid. Physically, both of these fighters are close in height and reach. Experience wise, Reid is clearly ahead of Lacy. Personally, I think this fight is a springboard fight for Lacy, with his handlers realizing Reid’s old fights with Joe Calzaghe and Sven Ottke. As for Reid, this fight could be a last ditch effort to restart his career in the area of landing another major fight. I expect Reid’s veteran skills to be spectacular and careful. Lacy will take it slow in the early rounds, he is thinking of consuming energy and not rushing. Patience is the key to success here, for both fighters. Expect a lot of holding in the early rounds, as Reid is going to try to show Lacy that he is just as strong as his younger opponent. After round six, the fight will speed up a little, because Lacy is going to want to close the show. Reid’s ring wit will be just enough stamina he needs to push this fight into the score -cards. I have this fight being a creditable test for Lacy. In the end, Lacy will earn the win in his home state, in the manner of earning a decision, but it will be questionable one.
Contact Jim Cawkwell at jimcawkwell@yahoo.co.uk
