ROBIN Reid looks likely to be granted one last shot at a major world title after reaching an agreement with American champion Jeff Lacy.

As revealed in the World last October the Runcorn Reaperman will face the unbeaten IBF king after biding his time to take on the best in one last big-money bout before he hangs up his gloves.

"Robin and I are thrilled to finally make this fight," said Reid's manager Jess Harding.

"This is what every fighter dreams of, fighting for a world title on the sport's biggest stage. We cannot wait to bring the belt back home."

The fight will take place in 26-year-old 'Left Hook' Lacy's hometown of St Petersburg on August 6 and be televised by big-hitting network Showtime.

It is exactly the sort of shot Reid, 34, needs at this stage of his career and is reward for his patience since losing the last major super-middleweight belt he held - the WBC - in 1997 to Sugarboy Malinga.

More recently The Reaperman has fought his way back into the international frame, taking the IBO title from Brian Magee in Belfast last summer after previously suffering a bitter points loss to German Sven Ottke in a dual title fight for both the WBA and prestigious IBF title.

With the latter now up for grabs again thanks to Reid's top-rated contended status, his team's patience looks to have finally paid off.

But despite counter-puncher Reid's reputation for revelling in intimidating trips abroad, Lacy fighting on his own soil represents a formidable prospect with a speedy and aggressive style earning him a 19-0 (15 KOs) record so far.

"I'm thrilled to be facing Robin," the American said. "He is a great champion and true competitor.

"The fans will see one heck of a fight on August 6."