British police will investigate allegations that former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton snorted cocaine in a hotel toilet, they said on Thursday.
Hatton, who held world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight, was filmed by the News of the World newspaper appearing to snort white powder in a Manchester hotel.
Greater Manchester Police said in a statement they were “looking into the matter”, adding that Hatton had voluntarily entered rehabilitation.
“Once his rehabilitation has been completed, officers will be speaking to Mr Hatton about the allegations,” the statement said.
Hatton last fought in May 2009 after a career in which he regularly ballooned in weight before fasting dramatically for his fights.
He won 45 of his 47 bouts but has not fought since he was stopped in the second round by Filipino Manny Pacquiao in the 2009 fight in Las Vegas.
His spokesperson, Max Clifford, told BBC radio on September 12 that Hatton was “very upset and very down” after the newspaper allegations.
“I hope this will bring him to his senses and make him face up to a problem that has been concerning people for a while. I hope he can sort himself out and get himself clear because everyone knows that [with drug use] it’s a one-way path,” Clifford said. — Reuters