Boxing

Reid still at odds with local promoter

By JOHN C. COTEY
Published August 4, 2005

TAMPA - This is only Robin Reid's second fight in the United States, but from the sound of it, it could be his last.

It will probably be the last promoted by Gary Shaw, anyway.

Reid reiterated his claim from last week that he has not been treated with respect since arriving, from having to pay for his own hotel to being kept in the dark over a conference call (that he hung up on) to having no place to work out.

Reid has been skipping rope and working out in the hotel lobby and hallway outside his room.

"This is a world championship fight, I'm the mandatory challenger, let's get this right," Reid said before Wednesday's public workout at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Reid has fought all over the world but says "it's never been as bad as this."

Shaw denies Reid's claims and said promoter Jess Harding, who arrived Wednesday, a week after his fighter, is responsible for Reid's comfort.

Shaw said the hotel room is paid for and Harding was e-mailed the itinerary (with the conference call on it).

Harding did contradict his fighter and admit the rooms have been paid for, but he complained about Reid not being reimbursed for food the past two days.

"If I was Robin Reid's trainer and corner, I'd try to get him focused on Saturday rather than who's paying for his food right now," Shaw said.

FAN CLUB: Jeff Lacy, the IBF super middleweight champ, is favored to win Saturday and had the backing of at least one of Reid's countrymen Wednesday.

"Basically, I want to fight Lacy, and I'm not excited at the prospect of fighting Reid again," WBO super middleweight champion Joe Calzaghe told BBC Sport.

Lacy and Calzaghe are expected to unify the division. But Calzaghe, who beat Reid in a 1998 split decision, says it won't be easy for Lacy.

"I don't believe Reid will win, but I'll be shocked if Lacy can stop him," he said.

Reid wasn't surprised by Calzaghe's endorsement of Lacy. Reid still contends he beat Calzaghe, who won their fight 116-111 on two cards. The third judge had it 116-111 for Reid.

"When I fought Calzaghe and lost on split decision, you ask any of the British people who won that fight and they'll tell you Robin Reid," he said.

GAME FACE: You can tell it's close to fight night by Lacy's expression. Wednesday, it didn't change that much as the St. Petersburg native appeared worn out by the local media attention.

"I was ready to fight two weeks ago," he said. "I'm getting tired right now. This is all just laborious."

He did take time after working out to sign autographs for 50 or so fans who turned out to watch.

THE BEST LACY! When Lacy steps into the ring, he'll break a tie with his father Hydra, who had 19 fights as a professional from 1968-75. Hydra Lacy was only 5-12 with two draws, but here's a good family omen: He was 2-0 in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

LOCAL CHAMP: Tampa's Antonio Tarver, the Ring Magazine light heavyweight champion, stopped by the public workout to lend some support for Lacy.

MORE TICKETS: The Times Forum has opened additional sections in the upper deck for $25 and $35. Call (813) 301-2500 for more information.

[Last modified August 4, 2005, 01:05:20]