THE European title rematch Shakan Pitters hopes for has been boosted by top industry figures, who have nominated last Saturday’s epic clash with Brad Rea a “fight of the year” contender.
Trainer Peter Fury and commentator Adam Smith both backed the 12-round war, on GBM Sports’ Hull show, for the honour.
It deserves to be on the short list. A sequel is also merited after Rea took the vacant belt by the narrowest of margins – a single round on two judges’ cards.
In the aftermath, Rea said he would give Shak a return, the beaten Birmingham boxer’s corner reported.
A money-spinning, big name offer – such as a title defence against Ben Whittaker – may prove too good for the Manchester man to turn down, however, and scupper the re-run.
You could not blame Rea for that. Pitters deserves a second chance, but in pro boxing you do not always get what you deserve.
Of the Hull thriller, Fury said: “Both fighters wanted the win more than anything in the world, which made it a war of heart and determination in there for the full 12 rounds. You don’t see fights like that very often.
“It was a relentless pace. Both men did themselves and the great sport of boxing very proud.”
Smith added: “It was an absolutely fabulous contest for a highly-coveted belt and one of the best European championship bouts I’ve ever seen.
“It had so much tension and drama, the way it went back and forth. Brad Rea started strong, then Shakan Pitters took over, then Brad Rea found his second wind.
“I think the round where Rea fought almost the entire round without a gumshield, blood pouring from his nose, really summed things up. So much grit shown by both fighters.”
Both men are correct. The contest, shown on DAZN, had the swings in fortune that make a classic.
I have to eat humble pie. When Pitters began his pro journey, I criticised him for being “too cautious”.
Last weekend, that past article returned to bite me on the backside. Shak was as cautious as a rottweiler confronting an intruder.
GBM boss Izzy Asif said: “It was a privilege to be ringside for a contest like that. That fight showcased everything that’s good about boxing – skill, courage, determination, superb physical conditioning and mental strength.
“My only regret is that one of them had to lose, because both of them gave it their all.”
