In 2007, Rees defeated Souleymane M'baye to become the WBA Light Welterweight champion with a unanimous decision after 12 rounds.

Rees however lost his World title in his first defence via a 12th-round TKO loss to Andreas Kotelnik in March 2008.

Following his world title loss Rees was out of action for more than a year before returning in August 2009 to beat Johnny Greaves in 4 rounds.

On 4 December, Rees entered the light welterweight prizefighter competition beating Ted Bami in the quarter-finals, Jason Cook in the semi-finals and Colin Lynes in the Final to win the £32,000 prize Following his Prizefighter victory, Rees moved down to the (lightweight) division where he enjoyed instant success winning the British title in 2010 (which he then vacated).

Rees is now a boxing trainer in his hometown of Pantside, Newbridge at The Rocks Gym.