IT looks increasingly likely that Robin Reid will switch his attentions to Ireland's undefeated IBO champion Brian Magee after his appeal in the aftermath of December's failed world title challenge with Sven Ottke failed to climb off the canvas.
The furore surrounding Reid's treatment during his WBA/IBF super-middleweight title fight with Sven Ottke continues nearly two months after the December 13 bout in Germany.
Reid was subjected to what many thought was some of the worst refereeing in modern times by little-known Belgian official Roger Tillerman before losing the points verdict.
Reid's promoter Jess Harding lodged an appeal at the WBA convention in Venezuela last Friday week and, on Monday night, he received a letter from the World Boxing Association.
Speaking last night Harding said: "I've received a letter from the WBA regarding the appeal and it's non-committal.
They say that we were right to bring the fight to their attention because it was a controversial decision but go on to say that after talking to IBF President Marian Muhammad they are finding it hard to make any sort of recommendation regarding Robin's appeal."
Harding added: "I'm talking to my legal team and the British Boxing Board of Control and hopefully we'll find a way forward soon."
There was condemnation throughout the boxing world at Reid's treatment in his fight with Ottke.
Much of the post-fight fallout centred on Tillerman, who not only deducted a point from Reid for a non-existent foul but also refused to acknowledge what appeared a perfectly legitimate Reid knockdown of Ottke and - astonishingly - even warned the Englishman for punching the champion!
Harding wouldn't comment further but believes the least Reid deserves is a final eliminator for the WBA title, which could mean a meeting with another German, Mario Viet.
However, perhaps more likely would be for the WBA to sanction a match between Reid and undefeated Irishman Magee as a final eliminator for the WBA title as it is a match Magee's promoters, Match-room Sports, have already been touting for April.
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