THE European light-heavyweight title is proving to be a tricky belt to get hold of after GBM Sports announced that yet another twist of fate had occurred. Shakan Pitters and Bradley Rea were all set to contest the prize in Galway on June 28 before the show was surprisingly moved across the water to Hullโs Connexin Live Arena.
It is still unclear as to what the โcircumstances beyond our controlโ were exactly. Still, it means another upheaval for the likes of Brad Rea in particular, who has endured a torrid time of late trying to nail down a fight.
Opting to remain positive, Rea dismissed online suggestions that the EBU title is a cursed belt, responding, โIs it eck, Iโll have that belt over my shoulder in a couple of weeks donโt worryโ.
Promoter Izzy Asif, the GBM Sports CEO, shares Reaโs optimism, releasing a statement that reads as follows: โIโm really looking forward to this European light-heavyweight title clash between Shakan Pitters and Brad Rea.
โThese are two very hungry fighters who both know that winning this title is the key to securing big future opportunities and making a name at world level. This will be a hell of contest, with both boxers leaving everything in the ring.
โWe were looking forward to making our first visit to Ireland but due to circumstances beyond our control this event will now take place in the UK with a new main event.
โGBM thanks the thousands of fans who bought tickets for Galway and we look forward to visiting the Emerald Isle in the future. In the meantime, they can return all tickets to their point of sale for a full refund.โ
Heavyweight hope Hughie Fury, Belfast boxer Sean McComb (a recent GBM signing) and Dutch prospect Gradus Kraus are all touted to appear on a five-fight card. There is currently no mention of Galway ticket-seller Kieran Molloy.
