Having turned professional in 2018, Rea was unbeaten in his first 14 fights when he challenged English middleweight champion Tyler Denny at Manchester Arena on 12 November 2022, suffering his first loss via unanimous decision.[3]
After putting together a run of six successive wins,[4] he faced Shakan Pitters for the vacant European light-heavyweight title at Connexin Live Arena in Hull on 28 June 2025.[5] Rea won the contest by unanimous decision.[6][7]
On 1 August 2025, it was announced that Rea had signed with Frank Warren's Queensbury Promotions.[8][9]
He made the first defense of his title against Lyndon Arthur at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on 1 November 2025. Rea knocked his opponent to the canvas in the second round, but eventually lost via majority decision with two of the ringside judges scoring the bout 115–113 and 115–112 respectively for Arthur, while the third had it a 114–114 draw.[10][11]