Brad Rea reflects on Lyndon Arthur defeat as he targets comeback win over Liam Cameron

Brad Rea gave a titanic effort, even flooring his man in the second round, but was ultimately denied a European title triumph over Lyndon Arthur in November.

‘The Sting’ had previously elevated his career by claiming the EBU title, unanimously outpointing Shakan Pitters with an assertive performance last June.

In his light-heavyweight encounter with Arthur, though, Rea was eventually forced to suffer a majority decision defeat, despite producing one of his career-best displays.

Since then, the 28-year-old has come to terms with his second professional blemish, but tells Boxing News that it was far from an easy process.

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

“Every boxer knows the stuff that goes through your head after a loss. Looking back, I’m like, ‘What was I thinking?’ But you do doubt yourself, doubt whether you’re in the right game and doubt whether 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’ve shown I can mix it at that level.

“I’d love to get back in there and give it another crack. 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’s so many obstacles in the way; we’ve both got a job to do before we can even think about [a rematch].”

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Perhaps a rematch can be explored down the line but, until then, both Rea and Arthur must remain intensely focused on their respective outings against Liam Cameron and Lewis Edmondson.

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

Having become a father since his narrow defeat to Arthur, there is also an added incentive to get back to winning ways and create more opportunities for himself.

“I think Liam’s up there with the best light-heavyweights in the country. But, for me, it’s the perfect fight to show what I can do.

“I know it’s not going to be an easy night’s work, but they’re the fights I want to be in. I want to be in entertaining fights.”

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In a separate interview with Boxing News, Cameron effectively accused Rea of being too brave for his own good, often neglecting his defence while trading in the pocket.

In response, the Lancashire man has admitted to sometimes being guilty of getting too carried away, while wondering whether Cameron can perform two roles at once when they collide at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, featuring on the undercard of Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois.

“He’s probably right – maybe we could do with having him in the corner, telling me to move my head!

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

Even after becoming a European champion, Rea has no interest in skipping past the domestic scene at 175lbs.

And this is just as well, really, because, at Queensberry Promotions, he is quite simply spoilt for choice when it comes to potential opponents.