On Again/Off Again Lacy-Reid On Again

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (April 15, 2005) – After stalling out early, the negotiations between IBF super middleweight champion Jeff Lacy and the IBF's top-rated contender Robin Reid reached a successful conclusion yesterday afternoon. Lacy will make his first mandatory title defense against Reid on Saturday, August 6. The world title bout – which also marks the U.S. debut of Reid – will be televised by Showtime.

“I wouldn't classify this as a miracle, just that it was meant to be,” said promoter Gary Shaw, reflecting on the quick turnaround in concluding the fight negotiations. “We hope to announce the site shortly.”

“I am thrilled to be facing Robin,” said Lacy. “He is a great champion and a true competitor. The fans in both our countries will see one heck of a fight on August 6!”

“Robin and I are thrilled to finally make this fight,” said Jess Harding, Reid's manager.  “We look forward to working together with Gary Shaw in a landmark fight that will mark Robin's debut in the United States, and we could not be happier to have it televised on Showtime. This is what every fighter dreams of, fighting for a world title on the sport's biggest stage. We cannot wait to bring the belt back home.”

Lacy, 19-0 (15 KOs), from St. Petersburg, captured the vacant IBF super middleweight title on October 2, 2004 by KOing Syd Vanderpool in the eighth round, becoming the first member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic team to win a world title. He has since become one of the busiest world champions, successfully defending his title in December and March against Omar Sheika and Rubin Williams, respectively.

Reid, 38-4-1 (27 KOs), from Runcorn, England, captured the WBC super middleweight title in 1996, knocking out defending champion Vincenzo Nardiello in the seventh round.  He successfully defended the title three times during his one year reign, before losing it to Thulane Malinga via a 12-round decision. He has won 12 of his last 13 bouts, including the IBO super middleweight title last June, via a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Brian Magee. Magee, who had held the title since 2001, was sent to the canvas four times en route to a unanimous decision loss to Reid.