Bradley Rea defeats Shakan Pitters to win European title
Never has an event been more aptly named. GBM: DEEP WATERS saw both main event fighters pulled into a twelve-round whirlpool of non-stop activity which tested their physical and mental resolve to the limit.
When Brad Rea finally had his hand raised after what will surely be a Fight of the Year nominee when 2025 closes out, he and his ringmate Shakan Pitters had given every ounce of what they had in them loo over the preceding 36 minutes.
Rea started strong and controlled most of the first six rounds, only for Pitters to suddenly click into gear and begin putting the Manchester man through the grinder in a close-range contest which could have been staged in an elevator, so close did the two stay to each other.
Below are quotes and results from the main card of GBM: DEEP WATERS, which took place at Connexins Arena, Hull and aired live worldwide on DAZN.
Izzy Asif – GBM Promoter
What a fight that was between Brad Rea and Shakan Pitters! That will surely be a contender for British Fight of the Year. Just non-stop action from start to finish. Unbelievably pace for the full twelve rounds and it was very close. Both corners said afterwards they felt it could have gone either way. It’s a shame there has to be a loser in a fight like that. I’d love to see the rematch. Huge win for Brad Rea and unfortunately it just wasn’t Shakan’s night tonight.
Gradus Kraus would go against any top ten ranked British light-heavyweight next week if we set that up for him. He’d fight anyone in the top five. But there’s no need to rush. He’s going to be a superstar, he’s going all the way, so we’re going to let him develop in there. I think he’s going to become not just a star at home in the Netherlands but also globally.
Sean McComb is world level. He’s got the skills to be world champion, he just needs the opportunities. That’s our job to get him those opportunities. He’s calling for name opponents like Dalton Smith and Adam Azim. I don’t know if they’d be so keen on fighting him. We want to give him a busy second half of the year now and get him into position for those kind of fights.
Brad Rea – def. Shakan Pitters, Unanimous Decision, R12 (115-114, 115-114, 115-113 )
I’m over the moon. It’s been a long road, a tough road. It was a war in there. The last few years, my fights have only lasted a few rounds. To go from that into a twelve-round war with Shakan Pitters was a very tough test. But I have very strong self belief. I tell myself all the time, just keep going, don’t quit, you’ll get there. And now we have the proof.
The doors are open to me now for big opportunities. I’ve wanted the British title since I was ten years old, so that’s something I’d like to go for. It would be nice to have that belt alongside the European. I’ve enjoyed working with Izzy Asif and GBM, they’ve been very good to me, so we will sit down this week and talk about the future.
Sean McComb – def. Alexis Nahuel Torres, Decision (R6)
I want whoever gets me closest to the world title, whoever is going to open up opportunities. Right now I’d say Dalton Smith is closest so he’s top of the list but Adam Azim and Pierce O’Leary are also on there.
Obviously I am not necessarily top of Dalton’s list – why would he want me? I am high risk, low reward for him. My job is to make myself unavoidable, get myself into position for those fights. That’s why I stay ready all the time – I am ready to step in on a moment’s notice for the fights I want.
Gradus Kraus def. Ross McGuigan, TKO, 0:53 R2 (Referee Stoppage)
I’ve ended all my fights so far by the second round. So hopefully next fight we get to the third round and I get some more ring time! But for me, I am ready to face anyone right now. My team is telling me to take my time, no rush, the big fights will come and now it’s time to hone my craft. So I listen to them and let them guide me. But for myself, I’d fight for the title tomorrow if they allowed me!
Peter Fury (Trainer, Gradus Kraus)
I’ve known him since he was a boy and I’ve always said he’s a phenomenal, elite level talent. Once in a generation fighter. I am not one for talking people up, I think everyone knows that. I’m a plain speaker and I say what I see. This kid is a phenomenal talent and he’s going right to the top.