Brad Rea planning fitting tribute to Ricky Hatton in Manchester derby

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Brad Rea had one golden rule on a night out with Ricky Hatton - always fight fire with fire.

From idol to friend to mentor, Rea saw every side of the British boxing legend who passed away in September. As a youngster he insisted his first pair of boxing shorts were a replica of Hatton's sky-blue outfit. He would grab a photo whenever Hatton presented trophies at amateur shows.

As Manchester City fans they bonded during riotous afternoons watching Pep Guardiola's side romp to Premier League titles. And ultimately Hatton would be in Rea's corner at the same arena in which he had become a household name. But it was away from the lights when the real 'Rick' came out to play.

"He was someone I wanted to be like growing up and I could never have imagined the relationship we would have," said Rea. "I first met him at a boxing show when he was giving trophies out and when I think back to that it's surreal. "Rick was so down to earth; you could have a laugh and a joke with him and it just so happened he was a world champion boxer as well.

"He treated everyone the same, whether that was having a laugh, or ripping you to shreds, that was the way he was. I've been on a few nights out with him and I would say to my mates, 'If he starts on you, you've got to give it back to him', but no-one ever would because he was Ricky Hatton!

"They would just take it and would get it all night but I would give it back to him straight away and that would nip it in the bud. The colour of my hair would be the go-to for Ricky and then I would comment on his clothing, one of the criminal items he was wearing."

Redhead Rea will walk to a Manchester ring on Saturday night without his usual pep talk from Hatton. But he will be sure to mark the occasion - especially against Manchester United fan Lyndon Arthur. "I remember the first time I boxed at Manchester Arena," added Rea.

"Ten minutes before we went to the ring, things were getting real, but Rick said to me, 'Do you know how many times I've been in the position you're in now in this arena? I went on to do it, why cant you?' "It showed he believed in me and we've got a little something planned.