By James Slater – As fight fans are aware, Ricky “Hitman” Hatton was recently videoed taking copious amounts of cocaine. The tape of the act was released to a stunned public by The New of The World newspaper, and since then the 31-year-old has sought help and is undergoing a spell in a rehab clinic.
Looking to get himself clean and sober, Hatton found out today just where his future stands as far as The British Boxing Board of Control is concerned. It was announced today how Hatton’s license to fight has been withdrawn, how his managerial and his second’s licenses have also been taken away. Hatton was also fined £20,000. However, The BBB of C saw “no reason” to take away the Manchester man’s licence to be a promoter – as has been reported by The Sporting Life..
“Ricky Hatton is not an active boxer and his current physical condition is such that the Board decided to withdraw his boxer’s license,” a BBB of C statement read. “The Board is especially concerned to keep the sport of boxing free from drugs. At the hearing, 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 brought the sport into disrepute,
“The Board concluded that justice would not served by withdrawing his promoter’s license. Therefore, his promoter’s license remains.”
As Hatton was almost certainly never going to fight again anyway, Ricky perhaps got off reasonably lightly all things considered. Sure, in not being allowed to manage a fighter or work his corner any more, Hatton will be upset, but he still has a career as a promoter, with his Hatton Promotions company. Frank Warren wanted this right taken away from his former fighter, too, but now, when he gets his act together and returns to the sport, Ricky can continue with his promotional duties.
Hatton’s father signed Ricky into a rehab clinic for “an indefinite period,” and as soon as the former two weight world champion comes out, he will be asked to go before the Board for interview purposes. The only public statement Hatton has made so far regarding his troubles, is one in which he said he is “disgusted with himself,” and that he is “furious” that he has tarnished his career.
Hopefully, Hatton can put his mistakes behind him and bounce back as a public figure/ top class promoter.