Stretford boxer Brad Rea travelled to Hull to win the vacant European light heavyweight title with a points win over Birmingham’s Shakan Pitters in an exciting and exhilarating twelve-round bout on a show themed as ‘Deep Waters’ and which allowed both boxers to showcase their skills and undoubted courage and demonstrated exactly why the beautiful brutality of the squared circle enthrals.

There was ebb and flow throughout the fight, with Rea starting like a man on a mission, easily taking the first four rounds with unrelenting pressure of body shots, often in powerful combinations, preventing the opponent from landing heavy shots. That changed with the fifth when Pitters started to show why he was also a worthy title challenger and made the outcome less clear with blood streaming from Rea’s nose by the eighth. However, Rea had found his second wind by the ninth, and the last few rounds saw intense exchanges as both fighters sought to dominate from the centre of the ring, giving it their all and ‘boxing their hearts out’ with every round thoroughly competitive as both men sought to make the most of an opportunity to achieve a long-held ambition.

Both men had a similar record with twenty wins and two losses for Pitters and one for Brad. The Hull encounter was Rea’s first twelve-round fight and the fourth for Pitters, at 35, eight years Rea’s senior. The twelve-rounder is the ultimate test for a boxer. All three judges awarded the win to Brad with 115 points, meaning he had won or drawn seven of the twelve rounds, with two awarding Pitters 114 and one 113, meaning that he had lost either six or seven rounds. Pundits are suggesting, though, that the result was even closer than the figures indicate, and the fact that neither boxer at any time had a count is testimony to their being at the top of the divisional elite. Fans are calling for a rematch, but for Rea, many options are available.

Managed by Manchester-based promoter Steve Wood, Rea was invited in April at three days’ notice to box the previous title holder, Daniel Dos Santos, for the European title but faced disappointment when he travelled to London only for his opponent to withdraw at the last minute and thereby forfeit the title.

‘Nothing’s easy in this game,’ said Rea, who’s known as ‘The Sting.’ ‘I was scheduled to box in Riyadh early this year, and that fell through, although I did get over there. Then the Dos Santos bout fell through. This match with Pitters was to take place in Ireland, with some supporters having bought tickets, and then it looked like that might fall through before it got rearranged for Hull. This all takes a mental toll.’

Stretford-born Rea attended St. Matthew’s Primary School and Wellacre High School in Flixton. Rea enjoyed a distinguished amateur record, winning 74 of 98 bouts, having taken up the sport at age nine when his parents opened St. John’s boxing club in Chorlton. He later attended the Joe Gallagher Academy in Bolton, where he studied boxing and fitness full-time under National Coach Tony Challinor. He’s now trained for two years with Andy Abrol and Brian Moody at Blackpool’s Sharpstyle gym, ‘to whom thanks and appreciation are due,’ stated dad Andy Rea.

"His mother, Debbie, and I are beyond proud of our son," continued Rea Sr. "We’ve watched him win as a professional fighter and previously as a growing boy who won numerous regional and national titles and represented England. He’s always applied himself to his boxing 100%, often sacrificing birthdays, family celebrations, and even holidays to pursue his ambition. Brad’s aware that his career wouldn’t have developed as it has without the loyal support consistently received over the years. The level of commitment he’s shown, plus his hard work and determination, are finally bearing fruit. We trust Lancashire people to get behind Brad and support him on his journey."

The last word goes to Brad. "I’ve had more than my fair share of setbacks this year with two top-level fights being cancelled. However, I enjoyed every minute of the fight. It’s shown I belong on the big stage. If there’s a rematch, it’ll be in Manchester."

All elite athletes require sponsorship. Brad is eager to express his appreciation for the belief, loyalty, and generosity shown by many companies, including PharmaPipe, Beyond Law Group, Easy Access Self Storage, The Hairloss Shop, CTS, JustTikit, KIELY’S Irish Bar, and Martial Artist Clothing GB.

Local Young people keen to emulate Stretford’s boxing hero are invited to check out Andy Rea’s gym. Visit chorltonboxing.com for more informationn.