Shakan Pitters vs Bradley Rea: Tips & Predictions

After months of rescheduled and cancelled fights for both Shakan Pitters and Bradley Rea, the British duo will finally collide with one another in a clash to crown a new EBU European light-heavyweight champion.

A former British champion at 175lbs, 35-year-old Pitters (6/4) enters the contest with experience and professional pedigree on his side, although the rangy Brummie will still step through the ropes as the underdog.

Meanwhile, Rea (8/15) carried momentum whilst campaigning as a middleweight just three years ago, before a surprise defeat to Tyler Denny derailed his plans in the 160lb division.

Instead, the now 27-year-old opted to move up two weight-classes and he has since strung together six consecutive victories, albeit against lesser opposition.

Boxing News' Tips

Shakan Pitters to Win	6/4
Shakan Pitters to Win by Decision or Technical Decision	5/2

Shakan Pitters vs Bradley Rea Top Tips

In what many believe to be a 50/50 fight and a real acid test for whether Rea can compete in the light-heavyweight division, Pitters represents a pick of solid value.

Standing at a towering 6’ 6”, Pitters is a fully-fledged light-heavyweight with long levers, an awkward style and boasts the ability to box behind the jab for the full 12 rounds.

Meanwhile, despite Rea’s last five victories coming inside of the distance, there are still unanswered questions as to whether he has the power to halt established contenders at the weight and Pitters seems to be a tough stylistic match-up.

In a big step up, at a weight where he is still somewhat unproven, Saturday night is a difficult task for Rea and although we believe he could come out on top, Pitters has to be considered as the better selection in terms of value.

Shakan Pitters v Bradley Rea Tale of the Tape

	Shakan Pitters	Bradley Rea
Record:	20-2 (7 KOs)	20-1 (10 KOs)
Age:	35	27
Birthplace:	Solihull, West Midlands, England	Stretford, Lancashire, England
Height:	6'6" / 198cm	6'2" / 188cm
Reach:	N/A	N/A
Stance:	Orthodox	Orthodox
Titles:	N/A	N/A
Last fight:	Won (TKO) vs Bahadur Kamari - Feb 25	Won (KO) v Adam Hepple - Nov 24
KO%:	35%	50%
Alias:	'Shak'	'The Sting'

Shakan Pitters vs Bradley Rea Prediction

Shakan Pitters to Win @ 6/4

Rea must attempt to bring the fight to Pitters and close the distance from the get-go, but Pitters has battled against this style throughout his career, whilst Rea has not fought an opponent of Pitters’ size or level since moving up.

Boxing News believes Pitters will edge out a close contest, steering clear of Rea by winning rounds down the stretch and capitalizing on Rea’s inexperience beyond the six-round mark.

Whilst the first half of the fight may well be scrappy, Pitters ability to box off the back foot and stay out of range should see him bank the necessary rounds in the latter stages as Rea begins to tire, on route to a decision victory.