Ricky Hatton loses licence
Things go from bad to worse for Ricky Hatton as The British Boxing Board of Control have decided to revoke his licence to box, ending any remote possibility of a comeback.
They didn’t stop there as the Board also stripped the former two-weight champion of his manager’s and second’s licences and a £20,000 fine, but his promoters licence remains intact.
Hatton was caught up in a drugs scandal by the News of the World earlier this month; he was seen on video snorting cocaine and since admitted to having alcohol problems. To combat this he has headed to the priory to undergo treatment for drink and drug addiction.
In a press release the BBBofC said: “The Board is especially concerned to keep the sport of Boxing free from drugs, whether taken for recreational or performance enhancing reasons and to be vigilant in identifying and dealing with cases of alcohol abuse.
“At the hearing, the Board found Ricky Hatton guilty of misconduct in that his actions and behaviour were detrimental to the interests of boxing and to the public interest and that he had brought the sport into disrepute.
“Ricky Hatton is not an active boxer and his current physical condition is such that the Board decided to withdraw his boxer’s licence.
“Ricky Hatton’s manager’s and second’s licences allow him to have close, day-to-day contact with participants in the sport and the Board has taken the view that his conduct and present circumstances make such contact wholly inappropriate.Consequently, the Board has decided to withdraw such licences.”
It seems a touch harsh by the BBBofC to come down so strongly on a fighter that has contributed so much to British boxing and been a victim more of his own foolishness than anything. Hatton showed courage to stand up for his mistake and is undergoing therapy to help him through any possible problems, so unnecessarily adding to them won’t really help, particularly as he announced his retirement earlier in the week.
Losing the management and second licence is a blow, but he will take heart from the fact he retains his promoter’s licence.
On the subject of that the BBBofC said: “The Board gave long and hard consideration as to whether or not to withdraw or suspend his promoter’s licence. Having considered all the circumstances, in particular the role of promoter, as opposed to that of manager or second, the fact that Hatton Promotions is a large organisation employing a number of experienced individuals in varying roles, including professional persons, and the effect upon innocent persons, including professional boxers, the Board concluded that justice would not be served by withdrawing his promoter’s licence.”
It would have been harsh if they had stopped Hatton promoting because it is important he stays in the sport somehow because he has done a lot for British boxing.
Sadly this whole episode looks like it may have a lasting effect on the legacy of Hatton and may have tarnished his reputation.
Hopefully he can get back, get behind the scenes at Hatton Promotions and continue to grow the company, because ultimately he still has a huge fan base in this country and is still a hugely popular personality.
He may be down, but “The Hitman” is certainly not out.
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