Nottingham's Carl 'The Cobra' Froch made a successful fourth defense of his British Super-Middleweight title in front of his adoring hometown fans at the Ice Arena last Friday night, forcing former world champion Robin Reid to retire on his stool at the end of the fifth round. Reid, 36, was always going to be up against it, and try, as he might, could not wrest the title from the ever-improving Froch. In what was possibly Froch's sternest test to date, he turned on the class and dominated Reid from start to finish, clinically dismantling the Runcorn fighter for a relatively straightforward victory.

Froch Hls


Both boxers started cautiously, with neither wanting to give the other an inch, and both had success with their jabs, but it was obviously a feeling out round, to size the other man up. A lot of clinching and wrestling followed, with Froch landing several right hands whilst on the inside, but nothing to bother Reid in any way, and the first round ended with neither guy having the upper hand.

The fight began to warm-up in the second, and Reid was able to land a few long, reaching right hands that registered, but Froch was equally beginning to score, landing lefts, rights and body shots with regularity. Both men carried their lead hand down at their waist, and both suffered defensively because of it, so a lot more punches were landing than should have been the case. It was hardly surprising then that two big right hands from Froch sent Reid tumbling down on to the canvas, but although clearly hurt, referee Dave Parris ruled no knockdown and ordered the boxers to continue. Froch didn't have time to capitalize on his advantage, but it was clearly his round.

The next round was no different for Reid, and he was beginning to feel the pace. Whilst never totally outclassed, he was always one step behind Froch, who was slowly working himself more and more into the fight, shedding the rust of the eight month layoff he's had due to injuries he sustained in his previous fight. Reid has never had the best work rate, and relies more on his power shots, but this wasn't enough to keep Froch at bay, and he was overwhelmed, culminating in a flurry of punches that made him seek refuge on the canvas, clearly hurt and disheartened. He was trying however, and you can't take anything away from him. He even managed to stun Froch in the fourth with a big, looping right hand that seemed to wobble Frock?s legs for a moment, but it didn't have too much effect, as Froch was landed plenty in reply.

The fifth round was the beginning of the end for Reid, and Froch was by now in top gear, using his jab, and following up with crisp right hands and body punches. It was more flowing work from Froch now, and Reid was starting to get beaten up. Reid showed plenty of heart to stay in there, and never stopped trying, but his old body was defying him, and the end was nearing. Froch exploded a big right to the left side of Reid's chin that sent him to the canvas for the second time. Once again, he rose to beat the count, and once again Froch jumped on him. Combination punches landed, and Reid's defense could not cope with the onslaught. The bell at the end of the round saved Reid from further punishment, and interestingly, as he went back to his corner, he quite clearly asked trainer Brian Hughes that round that was, to which Hughes replied with the answer. Reid then said "Okay, one more round", but Hughes was not happy, and told his fighter "If you get stopped you wont live it down, but if I stop it you will". Hughes then called the referee over and retired his man. Dave Parris waved it off and declared Froch the winner, at the 3-00 mark of the fifth round.

Froch vs Reid


Froch said after that he had his sights set on Joe Calzaghe, and was even prepared to go to light heavyweight to accommodate the fight, but the more likely option will be for him to stay at 168 and fight for a title, possibly one vacated by Calzaghe's departure. As for Reid, it was announced that he will now retire from the ring, and has nothing left to prove to anyone, having had a good, tough career, picking up numerous amateur and pro titles along the way.