Impact Boxing: Gary Reid – Michael Lomax

Impact Boxing have today announced that hard-hitting Stoke light-welterweight Gary Reid has been matched with unbeaten Michael Lomax in an eight round contest set for 30th March. The fight will be the main support to Ted Bami’s defence of his European light-welterweight crown on a Matchroom promoted card to be held at Crawley’s K2 Leisure Centre.

Reid’s last outing was in Glasgow last November when he was defeated on points by Nigel Wright in an English title clash. Reid had been victorious in his three previous bouts during 2006 defeating Davis Kamara on points in February and producing two stunning knockouts, over former British title contender Kevin McIntyre and the highly rated Leo O’Reilly, during May.

Presently ranked 11 in the domestic light-welterweight division, Reid’s record reads Won 12 (7 KO) Lost 16 Drawn 1. Lomax is ranked at 18 in the UK welterweight division and is unbeaten in 10 contests with 2 knockouts to his name.

At 6ft Lomax will enter the ring with a massive height and reach advantage over the diminutive Reid who measures 5ft 5ins. Adopting a southpaw stance Lomax presents an added problem for Reid and will therefore prove and awkward opponent for the Stoke man.

Reid is accustomed to fighting taller men however and Lomax has yet to face an opponent with Reid’s potency. Additionally, a quick examination of his record will confirm that Reid has fought some of the leading lights of British boxing. Lomax, on the other hand, has yet to meet anyone with a real pedigree but his two most notable scalps, the sturdy Jamie Coyle and the improving Robert Lloyd-Taylor, represent accomplished victories.

Reid, dubbed “The Body-snatcher’ on account of his fearsome punching power, will provide a stern test for Lomax and the result cannot readily be predicted. Lomax is likely to use his reach and movement to fend off the shorter man who will no doubt come forward looking to unload his body shots.

“I’ve been itching to get back into the ring since I fought Nigel Wright,” said Reid “but I got a nasty cut to my nose sparring with John Murray which prevented me from sparring for a while and, as always, its difficult to find opponents who are prepared to box me. I’d hoped to fight John Fewkes in April but that fell through so I’m just pleased to get back into the ring.”

“I know that Michael Lomax is a dangerous opponent and I’m taking nothing for granted. I know that I will have to be on top form to beat him. I’m fit and already at the fight weight so I know that I’m going in there with a good chance.”

“I just want to get this one out of the way and am considering it as a warm-up for my challenge for the Midlands lightweight title. The only trouble is, Tristian Davies, the holder, and his management don’t seem to be in any hurry to make the fight.”

Tickets for the Crawley event are available from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900