If I fought a United fan and did not wear blue shorts, I'd never hear the end of it from Ricky

Rea won't risk a dressing down from The Hitman

- BY MARTIN DOMIN

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 died last month.

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 'The Hitman' 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.