David Reid has only had 11 pro fights, undefeated in a career of less than three years. He gets his first title shot Saturday night when he goes against Laurent Boudouani, the Frenchman who holds the WBA super- welterweight belt.
Many folks remember Reid from his gold-medal-winning Olympic bout. Down on points against a tough Cuban, he scored a third-round knockout to become America's only gold medalist from the 1996 boxing team. If he wins a world title, he will be the second American boxer from the '96 team to do so. The first was lightweight Floyd Mayweather, who beat Genaro Hernandez in a surprisingly strong showing last year.
Reid has a physical defect, a droopy left eyelid, that sometimes causes him problems in the ring. 'Cowboy' James Coker, an awkward, rangy southpaw, slowed Reid's march to world-class status last year. Coker opened a cut over Reid's right eye, rendering him nearly blind. The result wasn't pretty, but Reid won the close fight on points. Reid is quick and has a strong right hand, and is enormously popular in his native Philadelphia.
Laurent Boudouani is Reid's biggest challenge to date. He's been champion since August, 1996, when he knocked out Julio Cesar Vasquez in five rounds. He's near the top of his game -- maybe a little past it -- at the age of 36. One thing to remember, though, is that he's from FRANCE. He's FRENCH. He's a FRENCH BOXER.
Boudouani had trouble against a Panamanian contender named Guillermo Jones last year. They fought to a draw in their first match in February, and Boudouani won a split decision the second time around in May. Boudouani knocked out an old, tired Terry Norris in nine rounds last November.
Boudouani looks vulnerable. In a choice between Philly and gay Paree, we'll go with Philly every time.
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