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 an in depth 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 vary on 28 June when 27-year-old Rea headlines in Hull as he faces Shakan Pitters for the vacant European light-heavyweight title, which shall 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 suppose he must wait this lengthy for one more shot.

Rea, nevertheless, says he doesn’t remorse taking the chance that in the end led to him slipping out of mainstream boxing.

“Not for one second did I contemplate not taking the Denny struggle,” 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 attainable fights.

“I knew it was a harmful struggle, and I knew it was a struggle that if I wasn’t on my A-game it might go the opposite means.

“I did not flip up for one evening, however folks have dangerous days on a regular basis. Dropping your keys, stepping in a puddle, that is a foul day for the common individual.

“For me, it is getting my head punched in. I appear to have been judged based mostly off that one evening.”