ALLOA boxer Darin Reid is hoping to pick up his third professional victory this weekend in honour of his late dad who passed away last month.

The 28-year-old middleweight is facing upstart Alireza Alimohammadi at the Grangemouth Sports Complex on Saturday.

However, the fight will be one of added significance for him as it falls on the day of his dad's birthday, just weeks after he passed away.

Alan Reid, known for his role as karaoke host Johnny Midnight, was a popular character in the Wee County.

He died last month following a battle with cancer, with hundreds later attending his funeral service at Alloa Town Hall.

Darin recently returned to the world of boxing, after a lengthy lay-off with injury and work commitments, but his dad was able to see him box at his comeback fight earlier this year.

He defeated Lithuanian Deividas Sajauka at the Albert Halls in Stirling, with his proud dad watching from the sides.

Darin told the Advertiser: "I was fortunate that he was able to make it along to my last fight in March. He was paralysed and his condition had deteriorated but he made it along.

"Saturday is his birthday, we knew about it back in March and we had hoped he would've been able to come to this one as well.

"I wouldn't say it's affected my preparations and I'm still looking forward to it. I'm confident of a win."

He added: "It was my first fight back after more than a year in March and it was a tough opponent I had. But I thought it was a good performance.

"I'm looking to keep busy over the next few months and have as many fights as I can before the end of the year."

Saturday's event starts at 6.30pm, with the first bout at 7pm. For ticket information, call 01698 338 888.