Stretford boxer Brad Rea secures European title in Hull clash
Stretford boxer Brad Rea travelled to Hull to win the vacant European light heavyweight title with a points win against Birmingham’s Shakan Pitters.
An exciting and exhilarating 12-round bout on a show themed ‘Deep Waters’ 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 much of his own.
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 sought to make the most of an opportunity to achieve a long-held ambition.
Both men had a similar record with 20 wins and two losses for Pitters, one for Rea. The Hull encounter was Rea’s first 12-round fight and the fourth for Pitters, eight years the Stretford man’s senior.
All three judges awarded the win to Rea with 115 points meaning he had won or drawn seven of the 12 rounds, with two awarding Pitters 114 and one 113, meaning he had lost either six or seven. Pundits are suggesting the result was even closer than the figures indicated and the fact neither boxer at any time had a count is testimony to their being at the top of the divisional elite. Fans are already calling for a rematch, but for Rea many options are available.
Stretford-born Rea attended St Matthew’s Primary School and Wellacre High School, in Flixton, and enjoyed a distinguished amateur record, winning 74 of 98 bouts having taken up the sport aged 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 senior. “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 per cent, often sacrificing birthdays, family celebrations, even family 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 and his hard work and determination are finally bearing fruit. We trust the people of Stretford to get behind Brad and support him on his journey.”
The last word goes to the fighter who added: “I’ve had more than my fair share of setbacks, even this year with two top level fights being cancelled.
“Even this latest looked a bit doubtful as originally scheduled for Ireland and then moved to Hull. But I enjoyed every minute of the fight. It’s shown I belong on the big stage.”
All elite athletes require sponsorship and Rea is keen to express appreciation.
He said: “I appreciate so many companies for their belief in me, loyalty and generosity so thanks to PharmaPipe, Beyond Law Group, Easy Access Self Storage, The Hairloss Shop, CTS, JustTikit, KIELY’S Irish Bar and Martial Artist Clothing GB.”
* Young people keen to emulate Stretford’s boxing hero are invited to check out Andy Rea’s gym. Visit chorltonboxing.com for more information