Hatton to meet commission over drug accusations
Ricky “the hitman” Hatton, former IBF junior welterweight champion, will meet with the British Boxing Board of Control after the News of the World published a video in which he was snorting cocaine.
Many suggest that the 31-year-old fighter could be suspended or even banned with his license withdrawn from the sport of boxing. The news comes only days after Hatton shot down speculations that he was retiring from the sport.
"The Board want to see Ricky at the earliest opportunity and discuss the issues raised in the press accounts," BBBC chairman Charles Giles said.
Hatton’s spokesperson stated that he will enter a rehabilitation clinic on Monday.
The former champion renewed his fighting license with the BBBC in July and is also a celebrated promoter who represents some of the country’s best prospects. Hatton lost two of his last four fights, to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
"The Board enforces the strictest standards with regard to the use of both recreational and performance enhancing drugs by participants in any capacity in professional boxing," BBBC acknowledged in an official statement.
"It is concerned at all times to ensure that the sport is run in the best interests, both of those who take part in boxing and the public interest, and that those involved in professional boxing do nothing to damage the reputation of the sport."
Hatton is said to have confirmed the accusations and was “devastated and distraught” after the News of the World paper published pictures from a video of him snorting cocaine. In a picture released on the cover of the newspaper, Hatton is depicted separating the substance into lines with a credit card.
A spokesperson said he would be going to rehab and that he feels “he let everyone down.”
Many websites also reported that leading up to the video, which allegedly occurred during a ten-hour bender in Manchester, Hatton was also knocked out in a bar room brawl.
In March retired undefeated boxing superstar Joe Calzaghe caught headlines when he told an undercover reporter he used cocaine. He blamed the long days and boredom since quitting boxing.
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