Ricky Hatton spoke for the first time last night about the heavy drinking and "dabbling in other daft and silly things" that have derailed any thoughts of a comeback and forced him to seek professional help. And his friend Amir Khan, once touted as a possible opponent, pledged his "100%" support for Hatton, even as others in the business distanced themselves from him.
The former light-welterweight and welterweight world champion is in the Priory in Cheshire recovering from the effects of alcohol abuse and the accompanying psychological damage that has built up over several years, although Hatton suggests his problems have surfaced only since he was shockingly knocked out by Manny Pacquiao in his last fight, 16 months ago in Las Vegas.In a promotional video for his revelations in tomorrow's News of the World, Hatton says: "I'm Ricky Hatton, and I'm here to tell the truth. I'm currently in the Priory dealing with depression due to the fact that I've not been able to cope with my retirement from boxing. I've been binge-drinking heavily and dabbling in other daft and silly things. But it's going to be the toughest fight of my life and I'm here to win it."
The newspaper last Sunday exposed Hatton – "caught on camera snorting cocaine in a shocking 10-hour drink and drugs binge" – in a Manchester hotel two weeks previously.
The video was apparently provided by Hatton's friend, the Irish female amateur boxer, Emma Bowe, who said: "I'm doing this for Ricky's own good. I hope he gets help and advice before cocaine destroys him." But a source close to Hatton said the implication that Hatton's problems have only arisen since the Pacquiao fight is "nonsensical".
"This has been going on for several years," he said. "Ricky has been out of control for a long time. People have told him but he refused to listen."
His father, Ray, said Hatton's drinking got worse because he was always trying, "to please his mates".
Hatton, 31, was unable to attend a fund-raiser in Bolton last night, organised by Khan, because of his move to the Priory, where he is likely to stay for at least a couple of weeks.
"I spoke to Ricky yesterday," Khan said. "He's in rehab, but we are all 100% behind him. If he needs any help, I am here, as is Team Khan. He is a rich young guy and has made mistakes. He got in with the wrong crowd. He has to learn from this mistake and come back stronger."
Hatton looked bloated and downcast in the promotional video for tomorrow's revelations, and, while it might come as a surprise that he has chosen to give his story to the very paper that exposed him, Hatton retains the sympathy of one of the biggest fan bases in British sport.
He packed out venues throughout the country at speaking engagements that earned him up to £7,000 a night and had embarked on a successful career as a promoter.
The British Boxing Board of Control, as well as Manchester police, want to interview Hatton about his activities, suggesting he might lose his board licence and receive at least a police caution.
Source: guardian.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment