Ricky Hatton Disgusted with himself over Drug Allegations

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 is being investigated by police over allegations of cocaine use, was admitted into a rehabilitation clinic on Monday.

He told the press: "I'm disgusted at myself. I've had a wonderful career and am furious that I have tarnished it."

Hatton 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.”

Hatton has also admitted to suffering blackouts, panic attacks and depression following his second-round knockout by Filipino fighter Manny Pacquiao in May 2009, Hatton's last fight.

Hatton was said to be "devastated and distraught" after the News of the World published a 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 respect his privacy during his treatment.

The former two-weight world champion, who is a licensed promoter, has never ruled out a return to the ring, and renewed his fight license with the BBBC (British boxing board of control) in July.

Since making his professional debut in 1997, Hatton, from Manchester, has had a successful career winning 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.

Acts like Ricky Hattons are not uncommon for boxers today. When the final bell tolls for a fighter, that seems to be when all the problems happen and the toughest fight begins.

As a boxer, you become institutionalised. Your day is mapped out, you are told when to get up, how to train and what to eat. And for every Frank Bruno or Nigel Benn, there are a thousand boxers who retire without having made serious money from their careers.

Frank Bruno who was the WBC heavyweight champion in 1995 has been quoted saying: There are opportunities to make a lot of money in boxing but you need to be like a squirrel and put some under the floorboards. And after you've finished boxing, don't just end up down the pub, keep your mind occupied and your body in shape. That's the best advice I could give.