Just three years ago, Bradley Rea tipped the scales at 159 ¼ lbs for his English middleweight title bout against Tyler Denny. Now, at 27, he`s aiming to comfortably make the 175 lb limit for his challenge against Shakan Pitters for the vacant European light-heavyweight championship.
This 15-pound jump up in weight has proven transformative. Rea, who holds a record of 20-1 with 10 knockouts, states, “I feel significantly better.” For a fighter previously taxed by cutting down to middleweight, the extra weight brings a sense of ease, allowing him to truly enjoy the sport once more.
Most importantly I`m just enjoying what I`m doing so much more. It`s another weight off my shoulders. I`m not in camp 10 weeks out, having to make weight with a sweatsuit on.
He adds, “I`ve been actively seeking this opportunity. I want to demonstrate how much I`ve improved, how far I`ve come, because I`m not the same boxer who faced Tyler Denny two and a half years ago. I just needed this chance. A few opportunities arose only to disappear, but this is it now. This is my moment. All the talk is done. I`ve stated my intentions, and now it`s up to me to prove it to everyone.”
Boxing often gives with one hand and takes with the other. In April, Rea received a potentially career-defining call – but it came on very short notice. Without any major titles on his record, he was asked to step in for Pitters to face then-European champion Daniel Blenda Dos Santos at York Hall. Pitters, with a record of 20-2 (7 KOs), was originally scheduled to fight the Frenchman, who had been withdrawn from a February date after failing a pre-fight brain scan.
Then, in a cruel twist, fight week arrived and Pitters pulled out due to a muscular injury. Rea accepted the replacement slot but was left disheartened when Dos Santos refused to fight on the day of the bout. The European Boxing Union, frustrated, stripped Dos Santos of his title belt.
It`s been a frustrating journey, but Rea has learned the value of patience, even if it doesn`t come naturally.
I`m quite an impatient person. I`ve realised I`ve been backed into a corner and forced to be quite patient.
“It`s been difficult at times,” he admits, “but ultimately, that`s boxing. It`s happened to those before me, and it will happen to those after me. I`ve dealt with pull-outs, disappointments, date changes – but I simply stayed focused on getting the job done.”
Maintaining tunnel vision is essential in this sport. Rea has spent years navigating the unpredictable landscape of small-hall boxing and is rarely surprised anymore.
There`s nothing that can stop me now. It`s just about continuing to do what I`m doing. This time, I was quickly assured that the fight would happen. The venue doesn`t matter, my opponent doesn`t matter – the focus is purely on claiming that blue belt.
Sheffield, London, and Galway were all initially discussed as locations for the title clash. Saturday night’s fight was originally planned for Pearse Stadium in Galway, with local boxer Kieran Molloy featuring on the undercard against Kaisee Benjamin. However, earlier this month, promoter GBM Sports announced that “due to circumstances beyond our control,” the event would be relocated. Saturday night`s venue is now Hull’s Connexin Live. Rea`s only concern is ensuring the fight actually takes place.
“I`ve fought in Hull previously, a few years back,” Rea recalls. “It is what it is. As long as there`s a ring and I`m competing for that title, I honestly don`t care. They can`t put me on the moon! I`m not bothered. Maybe one day – a fight on the moon for Turki [Alalshikh] – but I`ll be there, provided there are no more withdrawals.”
Back on solid ground, the European light-heavyweight title has a rich history intertwined with British fighters. Don Cockell won it four years before his challenge against Rocky Marciano for the heavyweight crown in 1995. Since then, notable names like Chris Finnegan, John Conteh, Tom Collins, Crawford Ashley, Clinton Woods, Nathan Cleverly, Danny McIntosh, and Dan Azeez have all held the belt. Rea or Pitters will become the tenth British boxer to secure it.
It`s a truly prestigious title. Let`s be honest, there are many belts in boxing that don`t carry much weight, but this one certainly does. Once I win that title, nobody can ever take that achievement away from me.
Rea, standing at 6ft 4ins, has typically enjoyed a height advantage throughout his career – until now. Pitters, at 6ft 6ins, will be his tallest opponent to date.
I just view it as another challenge I need to overcome. I`m looking forward to it; it`s something new to adapt to.
Sourcing sparring partners has been challenging, but Rea remains confident. His ambition goes beyond simply winning; he plans to stop Pitters.
That`s what we train for, that`s the plan we`re working towards. Some might predict this fight will go the distance, to points – but it`s my job to demonstrate what I`m capable of. Since moving up, I feel stronger, my punches land harder, and people might not anticipate that. I`ll make sure they know early on that I possess significant power.
And what about the reward after the hard work is done? During training camp, Rea maintains a strict diet – sticky rice, beetroot, cucumber, honey, sriracha, and chicken or mince. But he already has a specific post-fight meal in mind.
I`m allowed to eat a bit more during camp these days, so I don`t go completely overboard afterwards. I enjoy Thai food, and I`m also a big fan of Mexican cuisine. And, of course, I`ll get my hands on a large bar of Dairy Milk chocolate.
Rea admits that competing at middleweight left him “running on empty.” These days, he enjoys his food – and his boxing – considerably more. A small indulgence at the weekend, a significant prize within reach. His appetite for success is clearly growing.
