Ricky's one Del of a fighter

By Chris Charles

Hatton in good shape

Boxer Ricky Hatton warmed up for his latest world title defence by dressing up as Del Boy.

The Manchester fighter cruised around his home town in a battered three-wheeler - identical to the dodgy motor featured in Only Fools and Horses.

Hatton, who successfully defended his WBU light-welterweight title against American Michael Stewart on Saturday, admitted he was obsessed with the BBC show.

He said: "I have been a huge fan of Only Fools and Horses for as long as I can remember. It's the best programme on TV.

"When I was barely into my teens I told my dad that one day I'd have one of the three-wheelers from the series and he looked at me as if I was mad."

"He laughed it off...but now I've made it come true. I couldn't be happier."

Hatton's friend and spokesman Paul Speak confirmed the boxer was delighted with his latest acquisition.

"Ricky always said that if he ever made it as a boxer, the one thing he wanted to buy was a Fools and Horses van," Speak told BBC Sport.

"He bought it off a guy from the Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society, so it's completely authentic."

The ultimate status symbol

Not content with the van, which comes complete with "Trotters Independent Trading" logo, Hatton has also invested in the full Del Boy get-up.

He can be seen driving around Manchester's Hyde district wearing the trademark sheepskin coat and flat cap, and smoking a fake cigar.

"I've even got a blow-up doll to stick in the passenger seat!" he confessed.

"When I pull up alongside a car at a set of traffic lights, the other driver always cracks up laughing."

It's difficult to imagine Stewart saw the funny side on Saturday when the Hitman put him on right-Hooky Street.