Des Rea

Career

Born in Belfast and raised in Liverpool, Rea made his professional debut in November 1964 with a fifth round stoppage of Ken Hinds. Over the next two years he had mixed results, winning five times but losing to Shaun Doyle, Jose Stable, Brian Curvis and Peter Cobblah. In August 1968 he unsuccessfully challenged for Bruno Arcari"s European title in Sanremo, Italy, Arcari stopping him in the sixth round.

In November 1968 he travelled to the United States to face José Nápoles in a World title eliminator, losing via a fifth round TKO. The two met a third time eight months later, Andreetti this time retaining the title with a fourth round stoppage.

Rea moved up to welterweight and challenged for Gus Farrell"s Irish title in February 1970, taking the title after knocking Farrell out in the eleventh round. Rea continued until 1974, having a further 39 fights but never again challenged for a title.

Rea was associated with the Kray twins, whom he first met in 1967 and who he claims told him they would get him a British title fight, a European title fight and a world title eliminator, all of which later happened.

Achievements

• He won eight of his first nine fights before beating Bob Sempey in September 1965 to take the vacant BBBofC Northern Ireland Area welterweight title. In February 1968 he faced Vic Andreetti for the newly-created British light welterweight title at the York Hall, Bethnal Green. Rea took a points decision to become British champion.

Views

He defended his British title in February 1969 against Andreetti at the Nottingham Ice Rink. The fight again went the distance but Andreetti this time took the decision.