Brad Rea put in a tremendous effort, even beating his man in the second round, but was ultimately denied a European title win over Lyndon Arthur in November.

“The Sting” had already elevated his career by winning the EBU title with a unanimous decision over Shakan Pitters thanks to an assertive performance last June.

However, in his delicate heavyweight clash with Arthur Rea, he was ultimately forced to concede a majority decision defeat despite putting in one of his career-best performances.

The 28-year-old has since come to terms with his second professional blemish, but as Boxing News tells us, it wasn’t an uncomplicated process.

“It’s always disappointing when a fight doesn’t go your way. For me, the most essential thing is to win.

“Every boxer knows the things that go through your mind after a loss. Looking back, I ask myself, ‘What was I thinking?’ But you doubt yourself, you doubt if you’re playing the right game, and you doubt if you’re good enough to get to the level you want to get to.

“I took a risk against Lyndon and it didn’t quite work out, but I showed I can mix at this level.

“I would love to go back there and give it another go. The way the first fight went, I think the fans would love to see it again – I think Manchester would love to see it again – but there are so many obstacles in our way; we both have work to do before we can even think about it [a rematch]”

A rematch may be considered in the future, but until then both Rea and Arthur must remain intensely focused on their matches against Liam Cameron and Lewis Edmondson.

Seeing this as an opportunity to showcase his full capabilities, Rea is more than elated with his opponent on May 9.

The fact that he became a father after a narrow defeat against Arthur gives him additional motivation to get back to winning ways and create more opportunities for himself.

“I think Liam is one of the best delicate heavyweights in the country, but for me it’s the perfect fight to show what I can do.

“I know it won’t be an uncomplicated night’s work, but these are the fights I want to be in. I want to be in fun fights.”

In a separate interview with Boxing News, Cameron effectively accused Rhea of ​​being too brave for his own good and often neglecting his defense by dealing in his pockets.

In response, the Lancashire native admitted he sometimes feels guilty for getting carried away and wondered if Cameron could play two roles at once when they collide at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. appearing on the match card Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois.

“He’s probably right – maybe it would support if he sat in the corner and told me to move my head!

“Sometimes I can get a little excited and get carried away [into a war]but that’s what fans want to see at the end of the day.”

Even after becoming European champion, Rea has no interest in skipping the domestic 175-pound scene.

And that’s a good thing, because Queensberry Promotions has a huge selection of potential opponents.