BRAD REA was just a boy who dreamed of being the next Ricky Hatton.
He is now mentored and unbeaten in 12 fights, scoring incredible knockouts on the most prestigious of stages.
Brad Rea dreamed of becoming Ricky Hatton's successor when he started boxing
Rea started boxing at the age of seven, but his parents started St Johns Amateur Boxing Club in Cholton three years later.
The sport became a family affair and changed his life.
SunSport spoke with Rea, 24 years old: "From that point on, a lot has been in the gym.
"I was there five to six days a weeks, whether it was training myself, teaching others, or getting PS10 to clean it on Saturdays.
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"A lot of my childhood was spent in the gym, and it took off from there." It is still a big part of my life."
Rea was a highly successful amateur fighter, representing England in just over 100 bouts.
He did, however, try life as a normal teen and enrolled at Manchester Metropolitan University. But quickly realized it wasn't for him.
Rea stated: "Don’t get me wrong. When I reached that age, 17, 18, 19, I did dip into to see what it was like to be a normal child.
SIGN UP DEALS AND FREE BETS - THE BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERINGS"But I always ended up back, a few weeks in, and I'd think, "Right, it's time to get back into the gym." This is not what I want to do."
Rea's parents Andy and Debbie were open to letting their son choose his own path. But, thankfully, it led back to boxing.
He said, "They let me make my decision. At that time, I tried university but it wasn't for my.
"I was bored of sitting in lectures and thinking about boxing, and I was ready for a career. This was all I wanted.
"I didn’t want to do the things I was doing at university, you have the freshers week of drinking, but my passion was boxing at the end.
"I decided to quit uni and become a professional. It was the best decision that I have ever made." "I'm living the life of my dreams."
Boxing's brutality can leave parents looking through their eyes - if they are able to manage it.
Debbie is her son's biggest supporter, and at one time was one of his coaches.
Rea said that she was a fan of all my fights and is probably my biggest supporter.
"I was a bit of mumsy boy too - and that's not something I regret!"
"She has been involved with it since she was a child and it isn't any easier. She still gets nervous, but she's learned to accept the fact that I work hard in the gym.
"I feel quite relaxed on fight night and confident in myself, even if she is.
"But she was an amateur at all my fights and even had a coaching badge. She was often parked in my corner.
"She's not your average mum. She's very knowledgeable about how to throw a one two, left-hook."
Debbie is still his No1 supporter, but she has been replaced by British boxing royalty.
Rea trains at Hatton's gym, and has Blain Younis, a former world champion at two-weight, in his coaching team.
He stated that he was Hatton-mad as a child. It was Ricky who made me fall in love with boxing.
"So now it's a little surreal, I have t pinch myself every now & then, you know when He's in mine corner.
"But he is just Rick now, and not 'The Hitman" like I used to see on TV. It's great to have him aboard and a part of the team.
Hatton is now 43 years old and one of many Manchester boxing legends - Rea hopes to become the next.
He stated that "There will only ever be one Ricky. I don't believe it's ever been done or will ever be again."
"But it's amazing the way Manchester and city get behind fighters. It's what Ricky and Anthony Crolla have seen.
"Every few years, a fighter comes along that the city really supports. It's bouncing when that arena is sold.
"I can remember going there as a child and thinking, "It will one day be me." It was always my dream to make it a better place and I want the city behind me.
"And with how I fight, it's very exciting. I think people will want out to watch me."
Rea was the next big star in the city when Kell Brook (35) and Amir Khan, 35 sold out the MEN Arena in a matter of minutes.
Craig McCarthy was brutally knocked out by the 6ft 3in-tall middleweight on the undercard. The win went viral.
Rea stated that "There are people talking more on social media, so you have more followers."
"It's part of it. It's going to involve me boxing on larger platforms and seeing a lot more people.
"But I haven't had a chance to really focus on that because I had three days off following that last fight, then I was back at the gym.
"My goal is to impress others and keep moving forward towards the goals and aspirations I have."
Rea will be facing Lukas Ndafoluma on Saturday night live on Sky Sports Main Event.
