Stretford boxer Brad Rea is confident his first-round stoppage victory over Polish fighter Patryk Polasik on the VIP Promotions show last Saturday at Blackpool Winter Gardens will prove to be the win he needs to get back into title belt contention very soon.

“This win made a statement,” said super middleweight Rea. “It proved beyond any doubt that I’m back.

“I’ve relocated to Blackpool to train at Sharpstyle and have now won my last three fights - two of them within the distance including one knockout.

“I hope I impressed, maybe got people thinking where’s he been and what’s he been doing. I’m now ready to get back on the big stage and hope my next contest will be at least eight if not 10 rounds.

“The move to Sharpstyle has enhanced my career. I’m looking for an English title this year and a British title in 2025.

“I was determined to finish this fight early to show I’m ready to take on more challenging opponents and win.

“I deserve this. I knocked Polasik down twice in the first round, finishing it with a powerful left hook to the body. I’m feeling spiteful at this new weight and there are so many good boxers to challenge in this super middleweight division.”

Twenty-six-year-old Rea was undefeated in 14 bouts before losing to Tyler Denny in a 10-round English middleweight title bout at Manchester Arena in November 2022.

Rea has since been building back up to title contention and feels he’s now at the required level.

“One blemish doesn’t have to mean too much,” explained Rea, “and I’ve been trusting my coach and the whole process.

“I’m grateful to Manchester promoter Steve Wood and his VIP Promotions for giving me opportunities on his ‘small-hall’ shows, as well as my sponsors who’ve made setting myself up in Blackpool possible.

“I’m now living there on my own, behaving myself and concentrating exclusively on the boxing and hopefully everyone will see me out again very soon.”