After nearly two years out the ring following his frightening KO loss to Manny Pacquiao, former junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton has confirmed his retirement from boxing.
Since his last fight, Hatton has struggled to adjust even with a growing boxing promotional company bearing his surname. Last year, he sought out professional help for substance abuse and depression after video footage surfaced of him snorting cocaine in a hotel room.
In the below statement to The Mirror, Hatton revealed it still pains him to not be able to box anymore.
I wake up every morning and still miss it. But the one good thing I do have is something between my ears despite all the hard fights. If the fire isn’t burning to get up at 6am and go running, then spar, diet and make the other sacrifices I have made for so many years, then I’ve got to call it a day. I didn’t cope well with not having that feeling any more – of having your hand held high, hearing the crowds cheer and heading to Vegas. After the Pacquiao fight I was sulking, depressed and drowning my sorrows. Depression and a few pints is definitely not a good mixture. I haven’t coped well with retiring, but you have to hit rock bottom before you get back into gear – which is what I’ve done. It still breaks my heart to think I won’t fight again, but at least I’m man enough to admit it now.
Ricky Hatton leaves the ring with a final record of 45-2, 32 KOs.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 