The chances of Ricky Hatton fighting again have dipped from slim to none after he was filmed apparently snorting cocaine while on a drink and drugs binge.
There is also a risk that the former world champion will have his licence as a promoter revoked or suspended by the British Boxing Board of Control.
The potential removal of the hugely popular Hatton from the fight scene is little short of tragic but the sport has no option but to limit damage to its image.
Sadly, this fall from grace of another of our sporting legends is as unsurprising as it is unwelcome. While the Hitman could hardly be classed as a role model, he is a hero to tens of thousands of his fellow Englishmen.
Be it as an all-action fighter, an animated mingler with the vociferous fans who followed their Mancunian idol on his title-winning adventures abroad, a boozer in his local pub or a compulsive eater between heroic bouts, Hatton has always done everything to excess.
Since he could never be accused of being sophisticated, Hatton was a sitting duck for anyone seeking to expose his transgressions to the News of the World.
Perhaps it was inevitable that drugs would become Hatton’s substitute for the fury of the ring, the excitement and the adulation in which he revelled.
His addiction to the glory has been evident in his reluctance to confirm his retirement since being savagely knocked out by the great Manny Pacquiao in May last year.
Thirty-one is not old for a modern-day boxer but Hatton’s lifestyle has taken its toll.
His position as the figurehead of Hatton Promotions – the banner under which he is mentoring his brother Matthew, among other boxers – must also be in some jeopardy.
Robert Smith, general secretary of the Board of Control, said: ‘If true, this news is disappointing. Ricky is one of our licensed promoters and the stewards will have to consider that at our next meeting.’
The revelation comes, coincidentally, just as Jason Booth, a former alcoholic and drugs abuser, realised his redemption by narrowly losing a split points decision to world super-bantamweight champion Steve Molitor in Sunderland.
Wladimir Klitschko’s ponderous 10th-round stoppage of Samuel Peter in Germany will only have increased David Haye’s frustration at having to fight Audley Harrison rather than attempting to unify his WBA belt with some of the rival heavyweight titles held by the huge Ukrainian and his brother, Vitali.
