Boxing Match Preview: Shakan Pitters (20-2-0, 7 KOs) vs. Bradley Rea (20-1-0, 10 KOs)

After months of delays and cancellations, this long-anticipated bout will finally crown a new European champion. Both fighters are eager to seize the spotlight and break into the world title conversation at 175 lbs.

Fighter Breakdown

Shakan Pitters

Age: 35

Height: 6’6″

Stance: Orthodox

Hometown: Birmingham, England

Strengths:

Towering frame and long reach

Disciplined, methodical boxing style

Experience in British title fights

Concerns:

Inactivity and injury setbacks (torn chest muscle earlier in 2025)

Two career losses to Craig Richards and Dan Azeez

Recent Form:
Pitters returned in February 2025 with a second-round TKO over Bahadur Karami, shaking off rust after a frustrating year of canceled bouts.

Path to Victory: Use his height and jab to control range, frustrate Rea, and win rounds with clean, long-range boxing.

Bradley Rea

Age: 27

Height: 6’0″ (approx.)

Stance: Orthodox

Hometown: Manchester, England

Strengths:

Youthful energy and sharp combinations

Solid power (50% KO rate)

Riding a six-fight win streak since moving up from middleweight

Concerns:

Limited experience at light heavyweight

Hasn’t faced a fighter with Pitters’ size and reach

Recent Form:
Rea has been active and consistent, most recently stopping Adam Hepple in November 2024. He was scheduled to face Daniel Blenda Dos Santos earlier this year, but the bout fell through due to opponent illness.

Path to Victory: Close the distance, work the body, and apply pressure to test Pitters’ conditioning and resolve.

X-Factors

Momentum vs. Experience: Rea has youth and form; Pitters has size and seasoning.

Venue: Hull crowd may lean toward Rea, but both are fighting away from home.

Title Stakes: The European belt could launch the winner into the top 15 world rankings.