Old nemesis is 'Rea' of light for Burnley boxer Reece Farnhill ahead of professional debut!

The 22-year-old learned his trade alongside Bradley Rea at the Amir Khan Academy in Bolton just as he’d started his journey as an amateur fighter.

The duo, who served an apprenticeship together at Bolton College, would go on to lock horns in the The England Boxing National Amateur Championships.

And Farnhill, fighting out of Sandygate in Burnley, was on hand to help his nemesis prepare for his last win against the previously unbeaten Lee Cutler at Wembley Arena in March.

That victory brought up double figures for Rea, who is coached by Blain Younis at Hatton Boxing.

“I sparred with Brad a few times before his last fight and I did okay,” said Farnhill.

“I went to Bolton College with him, we trained at Amir Khan’s gym, so we’ve known each other for a while.

“He’d already had about 60 amateur fights when we first met and I’d just started.

“I fought him three times as an amateur, they were all very close, I think he took them all on split decisions.

“It shows what can be achieved if you work hard enough. Seeing what he has achieved so far has given me the belief that I can do the same.”

The former Northern Area champion will make his professional bow at Sheffield Arena on May 28th, featuringon the undercard with Maree Boxing’s Joshua Holmes.

Everything has been building up to this moment.

“I’m buzzing, but it feels like it’s been a long time coming,” said Farnhill, who has also been sparring with Scott Fitzgerald and Dan Catlin.

“I signed professional terms over half-a-year ago now. My debut is a really important fight, it’s one that I’ve always been looking forward to.

“I want to make a big statement on my debut. I would love to start my career with a knockout.

“Getting to this stage is something that I’ve always wanted to achieve. I’m ready for it!”