Jeff Lacy Has His Say

Take a letter, Matilda. Send it to former WBC super-middleweight champ Robin Reid of Runcorn, England. Mail it in care of the Hyatt Regency Tampa.

Dear Robin:

Sorry we didn’t get to talk to you on the national media conference call Thursday, you slamming the phone down and storming off and everything. We know it wasn’t something we said that upset you because, well, you never even bothered to say “boo” to us. We didn’t get a “hello,” a “good-bye,” or even a “kiss my English fanny,” before you banged down the phone and disappeared.

But that’s OK, because undefeated IBF super-middleweight champ Jeff Lacy (19-0, 15 KOs) was on the call too, and he had a lot of neat things to say, even if you didn’t. He could have said some bad things about you, but he took the high road. He’s going to try to promote your Aug. 6 fight (SHOWTIME) at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, even if you’re not.

Lacy did get one dig in, but I guess you didn’t hear him. After your conference call snub, Lacy said “After what Reid did – or didn’t do – I am renaming this fight the ‘Tampa Tea Party.’ But instead of Boston Harbor, I’m dropping Reid in the ring.”

Patriotic guy, this Lacy.

Even though we missed your insights into this fight, you were well represented by your trainer, Brian Hughes, who did his best to put in the good word for you and smooth any ruffled feathers.

“[Robin] just slammed the phone down and stormed out,” Hughes told us as the conference call opened. “He’s just not very happy with the way he’s being treated. But he has nothing but respect for Jeff Lacy.”

I think that’s wise, Robin. Don’t underestimate this guy.

Later on, when everyone on the call was saying their goodbyes, your buddy Hughes stuck up for you again, saying “I’d just like to apologize again for Robin. Don’t hold it against him. On the night of Aug. 6, he’ll give the crowd and Jeff Lacy all they want.”

If I ever get my taxes audited, can I borrow Hughes for a day?

While we didn’t find out how you’re feeling before the fight or how your training is going or if you had any predictions on the outcome, we did get some interesting stuff from Lacy. And I’ve gotta tell you Robin, he really plans on sticking it to you. You should have heard him, sounding confident and a little edgy this close to the fight. He said he’s in the best shape of his life and his prediction was a simple one: “I’m going to win.”

Even though you supposedly hung up the phone and left, I’ll bet you’d like to hear some of what Lacy said about the fight. I’ll give you some of the high points.

He started out by saying, “That‘s enough talking. I’m ready to fight.” And we hadn’t even asked him anything yet.

Later on he said, “It scares me the way I’m punching right now. Robin is supposed to have a steel chin, and we’re going to test it.”

If I were you, Robin, I’d do what ever I could to make sure he doesn’t get a chance to test your chin. His nickname “Left Hook” Lacy didn’t off the back of a cereal box. Glad it’s you getting in there with him and not me.

“I’m going to win. I’m in the best shape of my life and I’m very focused. And I know Robin Reid didn‘t come all the way over here just to lay down.”

He‘s not taking you lightly, Robin. He ain’t looking past Aug. 6. So tie your chin on and take all your vitamins. Avoid fast food and late nights. You’ve never tasted the canvas in your 43 pro fights, but this guy is capable of feeding you a mouthful.

Well, that‘s about all I have to say for now. Too bad you didn‘t get in on that conference call. Would have made for some good copy.

Tell Brian I wish him well. I’ll be in touch with him shortly.

The IRS just called.