Boxing
European light heavyweight champion signs promotional deal with Frank Warren and DAZN
Itauma vs Whyte - August 16 - only on DAZN PPV
The European light heavyweight champion Bradley Rea has signed promotional terms with Frank Warren’s Queensberry and DAZN.
The 27-year-old won his EBU belt via a unanimous decision over Shakan Pitters at the end of June after previously suffering a series of misfortunes with opponents dropping out at short notice.
Rea, known as ‘The Sting’, jumped up two weights - largely campaigning at middleweight since making his debut in 2018 - following his English title points defeat to Tyler Denny in late 2022.
While awaiting a meaningful opportunity, the Manchester man recorded five straight stoppage victories, with only one of them making it into the third round.
Now, with the currency of his European title and the backing of Queensberry, Rea will be seeking to test himself at the highest level.
“I am excited because I feel like I am finally at the stage I belong at,” said Rea. “I’ve been wanting to be on these big shows, big platforms and in fights against big names.
“I feel like Frank and Queensberry can deliver that for me. So, I am excited about the future, definitely. This is the place to be, especially for the light heavyweights. I want to be in the big fights against the best names, and this is part of the reason why I was so eager to sign with Frank.
“He can deliver the big fights, and he can deliver the big names.”
“Brad is fully deserving of this opportunity to shine on a major platform in DAZN,” said promoter Frank Warren. “I greatly admire the way he stuck at it and kept himself ready when nothing really was happening for him, through no fault of his own.
“Sometimes it takes a little while for fighters to find their optimum weight and Brad is clearly now a force at light heavyweight, emphasised by his recent European title success.
“The light heavyweight division is booming with so much talent and great matches to be made. Brad will now be part of this, and I am looking forward to getting him going.”
Watch Itauma vs Whyte live on DAZN
You can watch Moses Itauma vs Dillian Whyte live on DAZN on August 16. More information is available here.
