Ricky Hatton admitted to rehabilitation clinic, says spokesman, in wake of cocaine allegations

Hatton admitted to rehab clinic, spokesman says

MANCHESTER, England — Ricky Hatton’s spokesman says the former boxing champion has been admitted to a rehabilitation clinic following British newspaper reports of cocaine use.

Max Clifford says the former four-time world champion in two weight divisions was diagnosed Monday with depression and a drinking problem by a specialist. Clifford says “the drugs are quite recent and not actually the problem.”

Clifford says Hatton’s father “and others have been increasingly concerned about his depression and his drinking.”

The News of the World published a front-page picture Sunday that it says shows Hatton snorting cocaine two weeks ago.

Hatton has not fought since losing to Manny Pacquiao in May 2009, but hasn’t officially retired.