25 years ago

Date: 8th February 1997

Venue: London Arena, Millwall, London, United Kingdom

Title: WBC World Super-middleweight Title

Promoter: Queensberry Promotions, Don King Productions

Tv: Sky Sports Box Office

Robin Reid
( 34 - 3 - 0 )
Weight: 166 1/2 lbs

Giovanni Pretorius
( 22 - 0 - 1 )
Weight: 166 lbs

Fresh from his upset win over Vincenzo Nardiello for the WBC World Super-middleweight Title, Robin Reid made his first defence on promoter Frank Warren's "Up Close and Personal", four world titles show at the London Arena.

The opponent was South African Giovanni Pretorius who was used to operating in the super welterweight (154 lbs) division.

As expected Reid's strength and weight of punch wore down the naturally smaller man until in the 7th round he walked onto a big counter right hook from the champion leaving referee Lou Filippo no choice but to count out the brave South African as he attempted to rise.

The time of the stoppage was 2:10 of the round.