• Boxing

Hatton 'devastated' after alleged cocaine use

ESPN staff
September 12, 2010

Ricky Hatton is said to be 'devastated' after a secret film was released by the News of the World newspaper allegedly showing the boxer snorting cocaine.

The paper claims Hatton was filmed over several hours during a recent night out with friend Emma Bowe, the Irish national senior women's boxing champion. Bowe claims she went public to prompt Hatton to get help.

Speaking on behalf of the former two-weight world champion, spokesman Max Clifford revealed Hatton is taking full responsibility for his actions.

"I have spoken to Ricky just half an hour ago, he is very upset and very subdued, very flat," stated Clifford. "He feels he's let everybody that matters down badly, his friends, his family, his fans and of course most of all himself.

"In his own words, he's been in a bad place for some time, probably before even his last fight and obviously he's really upset about what has happened but he totally takes responsibility, takes the blame, 'It's all down to me'.

"He just wants to let everybody know how he feels, he's got to sort himself out. I think it is fair to say, friends and family have been trying to warn him in recent times, for the last few months and now they are all hoping this situation will bring him to his senses.

"I think obviously everybody is hoping some good will come out of this. He feels devastated and we all hope this will be the wake-up call."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close