LONDON — Former world champion Ricky Hatton on Sunday admitted his disgust at having taken cocaine, but stressed he did not think he had a problem.
Hatton was diagnosed with depression and a drink problem by a specialist on Monday after a newspaper published video footage of the boxer allegedly snorting cocaine.
The News of the World secretly filmed Hatton -- who has not fought since being knocked out in the second round of his May 2009 showdown with Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas -- supposedly using "industrial quantities" of the drug during a marathon 10-hour drinking session.And the 31-year-old, who is to be investigated by police over his cocaine-usage allegations, told Sunday's edition of the News of the World: "I'm so angry I could knock myself out.
"I'm disgusted at myself for what I have done. I've had a wonderful career and am furious that I have tarnished it."
But he added: "I'm not the slightest bit worried about the cocaine. Problem? What problem?
"I have dabbled with the drug on a few sparing occasions. The only time I have ever done it is when I have been so depressed or drunk that it's a case of, 'Go on then'."
The boxer revealed he had been suffering blackouts, panic attacks and depression following his loss to Pacquiao.
In a video clip, on the newspaper's website, Hatton said: "I'm currently in the Priory (rehabilitation centre) dealing with depression due to the fact that I have not been able to cope with my retirement from boxing.
"I have been binge drinking heavily and dabbling in other daft and silly things but it is going to be the toughest fight of my life and I'm here to win it."
The two-weight world champion was out with friend Emma Bowe, an Irish national senior women's boxing champion, when he was caught on camera.
Hatton has battled with drink and severe depression for "several weeks", according to his spokesman Max Clifford.
His father Ray said he had signed himself into the clinic for an indefinite period.
Greater Manchester Police said officers were aware of the story and planned to question him once his rehabilitation is complete.
Copyright © 2010 AFP. All rights reserved.
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