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Hatton stripped of boxing licence

Ricky Hatton's last fight was against Manny Pacquiao © Getty Images

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Ricky Hatton has been stripped of his boxing licence by the British Boxing Board of Control after being found guilty of misconduct.

The former two-weight world champion, who checked into rehab last week to undergo treatment for severe depression and a drink problem, is to be investigated by police over allegations of cocaine use.

At a hearing in which Hatton answered charges of bringing boxing into disrepute arising out of incidents of reported alcohol and drug abuse, the BBoC reached a guilty verdict and removed his boxer's licence and manager's licence - but allowed him to keep his promoter's licence.

"The Board gave long and hard consideration as to whether or not to withdraw or suspend his promoter's licence," said a BBoC press release.

"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.

"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."

Hatton recently announced that he had no intentions to make a fighting return, having previously refused to rule out the prospect when questioned.

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