Stretford’s Brad Rea travelled to Leeds and secured a win on a major show at the Yorkshire city’s John Charles Centre.

Fighting for the first time at super middleweight, ‘The Sting’ impressed with his second consecutive first-round stoppage as he defeated Czech fighter Ondrej Budera. This four-rounder which Rea said was meant to ‘keep me busy and avoid going stale’ was his fourth since moving to Blackpool from Stretford and starting training at the resort’s Sharpstyle Gym almost a year ago.

“I now box at super middleweight,” said the 26-year-old. “It’s a division stacked with quality boxers, and I’ve proved that I’m ready to fight the best.

“It’s allowing me to punch harder. I got in some excellent body shots in the Leeds fight.

“I know when I’ve hurt the opponent and how to go in and get the stoppage.

“We’re hoping to announce a big-name fight soon and challenge for English titles. I’ve been hanging around too long and can offer so much more.

“So many of my friends are in Stretford and I’ll be wanting to put on a show for them.”

Rea’s first professional bout was in 2018 and he has won 18 of 19 paid bouts.