Not many boxers know the cruel actuality of what a defeat can do to your profession greater than Bradley Rea.
In November 2022, the Lancashire fighter suffered his first skilled loss in a detailed choice in opposition to Tyler Denny for the English middleweight title.
Whereas Denny went on to gather European honours and face Hamzah Sheeraz at Wembley Stadium, Rea has not competed on a televised card in two and a half years.
That’s set to alter on 28 June when 27-year-old Rea headlines in Hull as he faces Shakan Pitters for the vacant European light-heavyweight title, which will likely be reside on DAZN.
It has taken 31 months to get away from the small-hall occasions and again in entrance of a broadcast viewers, and Rea didn’t assume he must wait this lengthy for one more shot.
Rea, nevertheless, says he doesn’t remorse taking the chance that finally led to him slipping out of mainstream boxing.
“Not for one second did I take into account not taking the Denny battle,” he tells BBC Sport.
“Since I turned professional, I am within the sport to check myself in opposition to the very best opponents within the greatest doable fights.
“I knew it was a harmful battle, and I knew it was a battle that if I wasn’t on my A-game it might go the opposite method.
“I did not flip up for one night time, however individuals have unhealthy days on a regular basis. Dropping your keys, stepping in a puddle, that is a foul day for the typical particular person.
“For me, it is getting my head punched in. I appear to have been judged based mostly off that one night time.”
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