Lacy fully concentrated on Reid

By Anthony Evans: IBF super-middleweight champion Jeff Lacy warned tough challenger Robin Reid that he is 'fully focused' on what will be happening in the Tampa Forum in Tampa, Florida on August 6.

There has been much talk - and even a press conference - about 'Left Hook' taking on WBO counterpart Joe Calzaghe in a battle of unbeaten champions in November or December; but Team Lacy say they aren't even thinking about that until they first do a number on 'the Reaperman'.

On an international conference call, promoter Gary Shaw began: "Jeff is not looking past Robin Reid. Without a doubt Reid is the toughest test of Jeff's career. Robin is a former (WBC) champion and a current (IBO) champion, he's never tasted the canvas and he's coming to win."

Shaw added that Team Lacy has taken on Winky Wright's strength and conditioning coach in preparation for the stocky Reid, who has earned his rep as one of the toughest fighters in the 168lbs (12stone) division over the last decade.

Over 6,000 tickets have been sold and Shaw believes they will break Roy Jones Junior's high water mark in Tampa of 8,000. "Jeff Lacy is Mr Excitement," Shaw said.

An emotional and passionate fighter, Reid refused to take part on the conference call, claiming he hasn't been treated with due respect since he arrived in Florida on Tuesday. However, his long-time trainer Brian Hughes elaborated: "He's not very happy the way we've been treated so far thus far but he's determined to win. I've never seen Robin like this. He's so up for this fight. All the hard work has been done in England but Robbie is still training three times a day to be ready. "

Lacy, a warrior who relishes the fight, welcomed this news.

"I'm ready to fight, too" said the defending IBF champion. "I'm an honour for me to defend here in the Bay Arena, a dream come true. I'm not looking for Reid to give me any problems. Style wise, it's a good fight for me. I want to fight the best and Reid's considered one of the best. He's my mandatory and he is bringing something.

"Styles makes fights, but I'm just as hungry as he is even though I am the champion. He's tasted it and lost it but I have a better taste for this than him. I don't want to lose it and I won't lose it. It scares me the way I am punching right now. This guy Robin Reid is supposed to have this iron chin and I'll test it."

As for Lacy trying to knock out Reid (who has never been dropped, stunned or hurt) to send some sort of message to Calzaghe, 'Left Hook' said he'd just fight his fight.

He said: "My style and Calzaghe's style are two different things. Him against Reid and me against Reid are two different fights. I know Reid poses a threat and I don't want to answer any questions about Calzaghe. I'm gonna win, by knockout or decision, I'm gonna win."