Boxer Hatton denies having drug, alcohol problems

LONDON - Boxing legend Ricky Hatton has blamed depression, blackouts and his last defeat for the downfall of his career, but denied having drug and alcohol related problems.

In an emotional interview - given during a brief break from treatment at The Priory, the former world champ said:”I have let everyone down. But the cocaine had no effect on me.”

Hatton was referring to his fight with cocaine, booze binges and depression.

“I’m so angry I could knock myself out. I’m disgusted at myself for what I have done. I’ve had a wonderful career and am furious that I have tarnished it,” News of the World quoted him, as saying.

“You would associate alcoholism with shorts like whisky and vodka - but I have never really had that,” said Hatton, who was caught snorting seven lines of cocaine at a hotel.

The boxer, who is currently undergoing treatment for depression at The Priory clinic, also denied having a drug problem.

The appalling images of the 31-year-old boxer were captured at a Manchester hotel around two weeks ago.

First the boxing legend took out a wrap of the drug he had hidden in his shoe, and then, he poured the white powder on a tabletop before cutting it into three massive lines with a credit card.

Finally, he hovered them up his nose through a rolled up 20 pound note. (ANI)