Former world champion Ricky Hatton was “devastated and distraught” on Sunday after a newspaper published photos and video footage of the boxer allegedly snorting cocaine.
A spokesperson for Hatton, a title holder at both light-welterweight and welterweight, said the 31-year-old Manchester fighter was upset and subdued following the News of the World reports.
Hatton, who has not fought since being knocked out in the second round of his May 2009 showdown with Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas, was secretly filmed during a marathon 10-hour drinking session, the News of the World reported.
“I have spoken to Ricky just half an hour ago, he is very upset and very subdued, very flat,” spokesperson Max Clifford said following the allegations.
“He feels he’s let everybody that matters down badly, his friends, his family, his fans and of course most of all himself … in his own words, he’s been in a bad place for some time, probably before even his last fight, and obviously he’s really upset about what has happened, but he totally takes responsibility, takes the blame, ‘It’s all down to me’.
“He just wants to let everybody know how he feels, he’s got to sort himself out. I think it is fair to say, friends and family have been trying to warn him in recent times, for the last few months and now they are all hoping this situation will bring him to his senses.
“I think obviously everybody is hoping some good will come out of this. He feels devastated and we all hope this will be the wake-up call.”
The video footage of Hatton was captured during a night out with friend Emma Bowe (29), the Irish national senior women’s boxing champion.
Hatton became a household name and huge favourite of boxing fans for his aggressive style and reputation as a ferocious body puncher, attributes which earned him the nickname “The Hitman”.
Although brutally outclassed by Pacquiao last year, Hatton has yet to confirm his retirement from the sport. — AFP