Ricky Hatton Looses Boxing License

Former British boxing world champ Ricky Hatton lost his boxing license on Thursday following a guilty verdict by the British Boxing Board. This comes right after a local news story revealing his drug use.

In addition, the former boxer was also fined $31,000. He was, however, allowed to keep his promoter’s license.

The 31-year old boxer who has had four world titles was admitted to a rehabilitation facility after a rag published pictures showing apparent cocaine use.

“The board found Ricky Hatton guilty of misconduct in that his actions and behavior were detrimental to the interests of boxing and to the public interest and that he had brought the sport into disrepute,*the Boxing Board said Thursday. *Ricky Hatton is not an active boxer and his current physical condition is such that the board decided to withdraw his boxer’s license.”

The board also added that they are “especially concerned to keep the sport of boxing free from drugs, whether taken for recreational or performance-enhancing reasons, and to be vigilant in identifying and dealing with cases of alcohol abuse’’.

Police officials have said that they will speak with Hatton as soon as he finishes his rehab stay.

Hatton is reportedly suffering from depression following his loss to Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao last May 2009. He has also been diagnosed with a drinking problem and is said to be having a hard time coping with his retirement from boxing.