A world title is on the line before the main event even begins. Liam “Cannonball” Cameron defends the WBA World Light Heavyweight Championship against Bradley “The Sting” Rea on May 9, 2026 at the Co-OP LIVE Arena, Manchester. Cameron is the experienced champion who has traded war with Ben Whittaker. Rea is the 26-year-old challenger with everything to prove. One of them leaves Manchester as a world champion.
| Date | May 9, 2026 |
| Venue | Co-OP LIVE Arena, Manchester |
| Division | Light Heavyweight (175 lb) |
| Rounds | 10 |
| Title | WBA World Light Heavyweight Championship |
| Broadcast | DAZN PPV (UK & US) |
Liam Cameron (24-7-1) has lived every fight of his 32-bout career at the highest intensity. The 34-year-old from Sheffield became WBA World Light Heavyweight champion and has defended the belt with the kind of grit and toughness that defines his entire career. His two encounters with Ben Whittaker in 2024-25 — a draw in October 2024, stopped in Round 2 in the rematch — showed he’s willing to fight anyone and keeps coming back.
With 191 career rounds, Cameron brings vast experience and a fighting style built on pressure and power. He has wins over Lyndon Arthur and a solid recent UD over Troy Jones. At 34, this is a title reign he intends to make count.
Bradley Rea (21-2) is a 26-year-old whose ambition matches his talent. The Englishman has gone the full 12-round distance against Lyndon Arthur — losing on a majority decision in November 2025 in a fight that confirmed he belongs at this level — and holds a compelling UD win over Shakan Pitters. His 105 career rounds show a fighter still developing, and he arrives in Manchester with the hunger of a challenger who has circled this opportunity.
At 6’2”, Rea will enjoy a height advantage over Cameron, and his youth — 8 years younger than the champion — is a real factor in a 10-round fight.
| Liam Cameron | Bradley Rea | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 34 | 26 |
| Record | 24-7-1 | 21-2 |
| Height | 6’0” | 6’2” |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Career Rounds | 191 | 105 |
Liam Cameron — Last 5 Fights
| Result | Opponent | Method | Rnd |
|---|---|---|---|
| W | Troy Jones | UD | 10 |
| L | Ben Whittaker II | TKO | 2 |
| D | Ben Whittaker I | D | 5 |
| L | Lyndon Arthur | SD | 10 |
| W | Itaba | TKO | 1 |
Bradley Rea — Last 4 Fights
| Result | Opponent | Method | Rnd |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | Lyndon Arthur | MD | 12 |
| W | Shakan Pitters | UD | 12 |
| L | Tyler Denny | UD | 10 |
| W | Jez Smith | PTS | 8 |
This is a fight that hinges on one question: does Cameron’s championship experience outweigh Rea’s physical advantages and youth?
Cameron is the smaller fighter but the more proven one at world level. He comes forward with his hands and looks to land the combination that ends the night. His TKO1 over Itaba showed he still has the finishing power, and his durability — built over 191 rounds — means he won’t fold under pressure.
Rea’s 6’2” frame and 8-year age advantage are genuine assets. His win over Pitters over 12 rounds showed he can maintain output over a championship distance. But his loss to Lyndon Arthur — a fighter ranked just below world level — is a note of caution. Cameron is a step up in class from anyone Rea has faced.
Liam Cameron wins if:
Bradley Rea wins if:
Cameron’s championship experience and world-level pedigree should tell here, but Rea’s youth and physical advantages make this more than a formality.
Our prediction: Liam Cameron by UD. A close, entertaining fight across 10 rounds — Cameron’s experience and chin edge it on the cards. Rea will be competitive throughout and may win some rounds, but Cameron retains the WBA belt.
| Country | Broadcaster | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 UK | DAZN PPV | 5:30 PM BST (card start) |
| 🇺🇸 US | DAZN PPV | 12:30 PM ET (card start) |
Cameron vs Rea is part of a loaded Manchester card headlined by Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois for the WBO Heavyweight title. Also on the bill: David Morrell vs Zak Chelli, Jack Rafferty vs Ekow Essuman, and Khaleel Majid vs Gavin Gwynne.
When is Liam Cameron vs Bradley Rea? May 9, 2026 at the Co-OP LIVE Arena, Manchester, on the Wardley vs Dubois undercard.
What title is on the line? The WBA World Light Heavyweight Championship is on the line.
How can I watch Cameron vs Rea? DAZN PPV — UK and US, as part of the Wardley vs Dubois card.
What are Liam Cameron’s key strengths? Cameron is a tough, experienced champion with 191 career rounds, world-level durability, and the power to end fights at any point.
What are Bradley Rea’s key strengths? Rea is the younger fighter with a height advantage, 12-round endurance shown against Lyndon Arthur, and the motivation of a world title shot on the biggest stage of his career.
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