The British Boxing Board of Control fined troubled boxer Ricky Hatton, and revoked two of his three boxing licenses for, ?bringing the sport into disrepute.? Hatton is now down ?20,000 pounds ($31,388) and his boxing and manager?s licenses.
The BBBC decided to take action after a British tabloid published pictures and video of Hatton allegedly using cocaine. Hatton made a public statement, in which he admitted he was suffering from depression and an alcohol problem. He checked himself into a rehabilitation clinic on September 13, 2010, as a result of the scandal.
The BBBC did not, however, revoke Hatton?s promoter?s license. The board said they were allowing Hatton to continue his duties as a promoter because of the effect on “innocent persons” who were under his employ, including his staff and other professional boxers.
Hatton received a show of support from WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan today. At a press conference to announce the upcoming WBA light welterweight title unification bout between Amir Khan and Marcos Maidana, Khan came to the defense of his friend. ?I thought the Boxing Board has been harsh on him,” Khan said. “People make mistakes.
“We all want to see Ricky get well again. He was a role model for so many young people, and certainly for boxers like myself. But Ricky’s situation is a warning to younger fighters to look after themselves, not make the same mistakes, and ready themselves for a career coming to an end.”
