Stretford boxer Brad Rea returns to the ring at Liverpool’s Grand Central Hall on October 6.

Having recently started training with Andy Abrol, at Sharpstyle Gym in Blackpool, Rea is confident the move will kickstart a boxing career which he freely admits has stalled since losing a major title fight last November.

The former student of Wellacre in Flixton and Bolton College, Rea began his professional career in September 2018 following a distinguished amateur record - winning 74 of 98 amateur bouts having taken up the sport aged nine when his parents opened St. John’s Boxing Club, in Chorlton.

Rea was undefeated in his first 14 professional bouts, including four eight-rounders, but then lost his first 10-round bout in an English middleweight title fight by unanimous decision of the judges who gave the win to opponent Tyler Denny.

The focus on remaining undefeated in boxing irritates Rea.

He said: “This stops the best from fighting the best, fighters should be praised for testing themselves in tough fights even if they fall short.

“It’s one thing the UFC has over boxing. I took my own defeat hard and unfortunate circumstances, including injuries and cancelled fights, meant I’ve had a year out of the ring which left me a bit disillusioned, on occasion not even wanting to train at all.

“In fact, Blain and Ricky, who I’d been with for seven years, were the ones who suggested a change as a welcome fresh start.”

Rea loves the era of boxing greats and most admires Tommy Hearns along with Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran.

He is keen to emulate current Japanese boxer ‘The Monster’ Naoya Inoue, summing him up as ‘devastating’.

Rea trains full time, this being possible owing to the support of a dozen sponsors who allow him to dedicate himself fully to training.

He added: “The move to Blackpool has re-invigorated me and I’m delighted to be returning to the ring soon.

“I’m keen to get back to winning ways, hopefully getting a national title in 2024.

“I could be at Madison Square Garden by the time I’m 30 - that’s the ambition and it’s been re-kindled.”