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Robin Reid

Robin Reid Profile Image
  • Nickname: The Grim Reaper
  • Date of Birth: 19th February 1971 (53 years old)
  • Retired: 20th October 2012 (Career length: 19 years 7 months)
  • Status: Retired
  • Nationality: England Flag England
  • Birthplace: Sefton, Merseyside, United Kingdom Flag Sefton, Merseyside, United Kingdom
  • Residence: Runcorn, Cheshire, United Kingdom Flag Runcorn, Cheshire, United Kingdom
  • Division: Super Middleweight
  • Reach: 76"
  • Height: 5ft 9"
  • Stance: Orthodox
  • BoxRec: Robin Reid
  • Debut: 27th February 1993

Biography

Robin Reid, affectionately known as "The Grim Reaper," is a British boxing legend whose career spanned nearly two decades and left an indelible mark on the sport. Born on February 19, 1971, in Sefton, Merseyside, Reid's journey to becoming a world champion was not easy.

His amateur career was marked by significant achievements, including a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in the light-middleweight division. This success was a testament to his dedication and skill as he navigated through tough competitions, such as the Junior World Championships and the Canada Cup, where he secured first place.

Reid's professional debut took place on February 27, 1993, against Mark Lee Dawson, whom he defeated via a first-round TKO. This impressive start set the tone for his career, which would be filled with notable victories and world title bouts.

One of his most memorable fights was against Vincenzo Nardiello. In 1996, Reid captured the WBC super-middleweight title by stopping Nardiello in the seventh round. This victory was a defining moment, as Reid became a world champion at just 25 years old.

He defended his title thrice, including a win over Henry Wharton, before losing it to Thulani Malinga in 1997.

Throughout his career, Reid faced some of the best fighters in the world. He had notable bouts against Joe Calzaghe, Silvio Branco, and Sven Ottke, although he lost to these opponents. His fight against Ottke was particularly contentious, with many believing Reid deserved the win.

Despite these setbacks, Reid continued to push forward, earning another world title shot when he won the IBO super-middleweight title in 2004. However, his attempt to unify titles against Jeff Lacy ended in an eighth-round TKO loss in 2005. Reid's later years saw him face other top contenders like Carl Froch, whom he lost to in 2007.

Reid's final professional fight occurred on October 20, 2012, against Kenny Anderson, where he suffered a fifth-round TKO loss at 41. This marked the end of a remarkable career that included 51 professional bouts, with a record of 42 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw. His impressive knockout ratio, with 29 wins by KO, highlighted his formidable punching power. Despite not achieving the longevity of some of his contemporaries, Reid's legacy as a world champion and his resilience in the face of adversity have cemented his place in British boxing history.

Reid's story is also one of personal triumph. Having grown up in challenging circumstances, including time in children's homes, he used boxing as a way to channel his energy and find success. His journey from amateur bronze medalist to professional world champion is an inspiring tale of perseverance and determination. Even though he may not have reached the same level of fame as some of his peers, Robin Reid remains a respected figure in the boxing community, known for his grit and impact on the sport during his active years.