Robin Reid: MIA under Froch fire?

Former WBC world super middleweight champion Robin Reid has failed to respond to an offer to fight Carl Froch, despite apparently stating on Channel M recently that he coveted the Nottingham fighter’s British Title.

Reid – who was stopped in 8 by American Jeff Lacy last time out – missed the Lonsdale on his way to world honours, but Froch has heard that the Runcorn fighter informed the Manchester station that he still has an ambition to lift the prestigious belt.

The word is that he also claimed he would defeat Froch in emphatic fashion. He has since been given the opportunity to prove it.

Froch will next fight live on Sky Sports at the Nottingham Arena – his home venue – on Friday March 23rd.

Having won the British Title outright by defending against Matthew Barney, Brian Magee and Tony Dodson, Froch’s promoter Mick Hennessy had hoped to present his charge with the opportunity to complete the process of tidying up the domestic scene by matching him against Reid. (The contest would be subject to Board approval).

Reid, however, seems to have gone Missing In Action. Hennessy has been speaking to a representative of his since the beginning of the week, but it has not been possible to get a response from the man himself.

“Someone told me that Reid was saying that he wanted the British Title and that he was going to knock several bells out of me,” said Froch. “I don’t understand why he isn’t coming back with an answer. I thought he would have taken it without even having to think.

“But it appears he’s ducked for cover. I watched Reid as I was coming up through the amateurs. I was a big fan of his; I thought he beat Calzaghe. I have a lot of respect for him as a fighter and what he has achieved, so it’s surprised me that it looks like he’s gone into hiding. We are getting ready to send out a search party.

“He has never struck me as the type to talk rubbish about a fight when it looks like its not going to happen and then fold like a pack of cards when there’s a chance it might. I always thought he was a proud man.

“I seem to remember he came back after the Lacy fight with several excuses for what happened. He has talked about getting back in the mix. We have given him the opportunity on a plate here. If he wants to prove himself and gatecrash the world scene again he can do it by beating me: I’m number 3 with the WBC.

“He’s been given just shy of 9 weeks notice. That’s enough for any fighter. Going by his appearance he always keeps in shape in the gym anyway. If he is as confident as he sounds, I am his ticket back.”

Regardless of Reid’s eventual response, the undefeated Froch will feature in a 12 round contest at the Arena in March. He can be guaranteed another big reception. The 29-year-old has increased the gate every time he has appeared at the standout venue and he hopes to do so again.

“It’s picking up all the time,” he continued. “I have never experienced anything like my last fight, but I think it will go even better again. The word seems to have got out about how good the atmosphere was. If my following keeps building that’s great news for me and for Nottingham – it will help to bring the name fighters and titles here.”

Tickets for Carl Froch’s next fight will go on sale at the Nottingham Arena Box Office next week. Please check www.HennessySports.com for details.