(BBC) Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton has spoken of his “disgust” at his binge drinking and drug taking but insists he does not have a problem.
The 31-year-old, who will be investigated by police over allegations of cocaine use, was admitted into a rehabilitation clinic yesterday.
“I’m so angry I could knock myself out,” he told the News of the World.
“I’m disgusted at myself. I’ve had a wonderful career and am furious that I have tarnished it.”
Hatton, however, is adamant that he does not have a problem, and 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’.”
In a video clip on the News of the World website Hatton also admits to suffering blackouts, panic attacks and depression following his second-round knockout by Filipino fighter Manny Pacquiao in May 2009, Hatton’s last fight.
“I’m Ricky Hatton and I’m here to tell the truth,” he says.
“I’m currently in the Priory 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.”
According to his publicist Max Clifford, Hatton has been suffering from severe depression for “several weeks”, while his father, Ray, said his son had signed himself into the clinic for an indefinite period.
Hatton was said to be “devastated and distraught” after the News of the World published video of him allegedly snorting cocaine in a Manchester hotel room.
Greater Manchester Police plan to question him once his rehabilitation is complete, in order to respect his privacy during his treatment.
The former two-weight world champion, who is also a licensed promoter, has never ruled out a return to the ring, and renewed his fight licence with the BBBC in July.
Since making his professional debut in 1997, Hatton, from Manchester, has won 45 of his 47 fights.
He beat Tony Pep to win the WBU light-welterweight title in May 2001 and added the IBF crown by memorably stopping champion Kostya Tszyu in 2005.
He successfully moved up to welterweight, taking the WBA crown, but was outclassed by Floyd Mayweather in 2007 before being floored three times inside two rounds by Manny Pacquiao in 2009.
