Looking back - Chris Reid "The Shamrock Express"

It is hard to believe it has been 22 years since he passed, and 35 years since his last bout. Popular New Jersey fighter Chris “The Shamrock Express” Reid fought for the world super middleweight title in his final fight in October 1988. 

His last bout was the culmination of a great career that saw him rise from local, respected New Jersey amateur fighter to one of the most exciting boxers to enter a ring. 

Reid, who regularly fought in the old Felt Forum in MSG, as well as King’s Hall in Belfast, Ireland, was all action, all night when the bell rang. He wasn’t the most gifted slickster in the ring, but you would be hard-pressed to find a more ferocious fighter. His exciting give-and-take style made him a massively popular fighter in the New York area.

Reid would go 22-2-2 (18 KO’s) in his career with his only losses being to Graciano Rocchigiani in his world title shot in 1988 and to former Marvin Hagler world title challenger Fully Obel a year previous. 

Reid turned pro in 1984 and only fought 4 years but was busy getting 26 bouts in during that time.

It was clear from the day he turned pro that he was going to be a fun guy to follow with his bombs-away style. While this would lend to him being prone to cutting up in fights, it also made him a very popular attraction to both fans and promoters. 

Reid possessed two things that make for fun fights – he could punch and he could take a shot. 

As Reid’s career-long, Hall of Fame trainer Teddy Atlas said in an interview years ago, “Chris could punch with either hand, he used to clean out Gleason’s Gym in sparring”.

There was also very little of a feeling out process with Reid as Atlas added, “Reid was ferocious, especially early in a fight”. And fans loved him for it. Reid’s style didn’t allow for a long career, but it was gonna be fun while it lasted.

Hampered by cuts throughout his pro run, after his last fight, (his world title shot), Atlas realized the page had turned and it was time to walk away. Reid, showing a loyalty that is all too rare in the sport, made good on a promise to his coach and never fought again. 

During Reid’s career, he worked hard and ascended fast. He was a 10-round fighter by his 7th bout and was headlining or co-headlining by his 9th fight. His exciting style made him a very TV-friendly fighter and he often fought on the ESPN, USA, and MSG networks. 

Sadly, Reid, a married father of 3 children, would pass from non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Hackensack University Hospital 12 years after he retired. 

Reid’s greatest legacy in life will be that of a father and husband to wife Elaine and their children Bernadette,

Philip and Kenneth. But, for a little over 4 years in the mid-to-late 80’s, he was must-see TV for fans of all-action fighters. A hard-as-nails, power-punching super middleweight from Little Silver, New Jersey who made it all the way to a world title shot. 

Every time Reid stepped into the ring, he gave you everything he had. As a fight fan, you can’t ask for anything more.  

Congratulations on a great career. Gone far too soon, but not forgotten. Thanks for the memories, Chris!