Hatton: 'Depression is the toughest fight I've ever had".

[johnswan1]

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/more-spor ... -23060876/

By David Anderson 14/04/2011

Ricky Hatton has lifted the lid on his battle with depression - admitting it breaks his heart to think he'll never fight again.
Hatton has struggled to accept his glittering career is over and turned to drink to replace the buzz he got from fighting.

The Hitman hit rock bottom last year and checked into the Priory, when he was apparently exposed snorting cocaine during a 10-hour bender.

Hatton, 32, says that reality check finally made him come to terms with the fact he will never lace up a pair of gloves again.
As much as the former two-weight world champion misses boxing, he realises he no longer has the dedication.

Hatton said: "I wake up every morning and I 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, 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 raised high, hearing the crowds cheer and heading to Vegas.

"I watched ringside the other night and they showed a clip of my weigh-in for the Mayweather fight (below).

"It brought a tear to my eye because every time I see a TV clip, I think, 'That's never going to happen again'.

"After the Pacquiao fight I was sulking, depressed and drowning my sorrows.

"Depression and a few pints is definitely not a very good mixture.

"I haven't coped well with retiring, but you have to hit rock bottom before you get your a**e 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."

Hatton's excesses put a strain on his relationships with fiancee Jennifer Dooley - who is expecting their first child this summer - and his son Campbell.

Although he cannot give up drinking completely, Hatton has curbed his habit with their support and never touches a drop when he has Campbell. The Mancunian added: "I only drink every second weekend.

"I have Campbell every other week and I decided to make a conscious effort not to touch anything when I've got him.

"My girlfriend is pregnant and I've been with her six years.

Life is really good."

Promoting is the other cornerstone of Hatton's rebuilt life and he has found making champions the next best thing to being one.

Middleweight Martin Murray, light-middleweight Adam Etches and heavyweight Richie Towers will all be showcased on the undercard of his co-promotion of Amir Khan's WBA light-welterweight title clash with Paul McCloskey, at Manchester's MEN Arena, on Saturday.

Hatton said: "I'm working with the fighters in the gym and love the day-to-day working on the matches as well.
"I'm half contemplating taking out a trainer's licence because I've got a spring back in my step working with the lads.

"It's definitely got me buzzing all over again."

[Coco]

The bigger the spotlight, the harder it is to step out of.

Hatton was probably under the biggest spotlight in British boxing history

[Lenny]

The bigger the spotlight, the harder it is to step out of.

Hatton was probably under the biggest spotlight in British boxing history

Sell out nights at the MEN with all the fans singing his name, then all those fans following him to pack out the biggest Las Vegas casinos... then nothing. Can understand why

[johnswan1]

I find it very difficult to sympathise with a guy whom has earned well in excess of £10m throughout his career and has reached the pinnacle of his sport and come out the other side unharmed. I can understand in relative terms that going from being the man of the moment and being involved in so many adrenalin fuelled moments to being a has been must have an impact and will take some getting used to, but ultimately the guy has been blessed with a talent many of his peers have not had and has enjoyed highs most won't experience and has earned more money than most of them combined. Rather than tell us all about how difficult this battle has been for him, Ricky should probably be more thankful for all he has achieved and work on finding a non destructive way of enjoying himself outside of the ring. Is hitting rock bottom really getting publicly shamed for taking drugs whilst still having millions in the bank? Perhaps I'm being a little harsh here but can we really take a guy seriously when he says he has hit rock bottom yet his net worth is still in excess of £10m and himself and his family are in good health?

[Lenny]

I dunno, I'm not going to be down on a guy who admits to struggling with depression and start telling him how he should be feeling as I can not relate to what he's going through.

Frank Bruno probably could though, plus quite a few others who have gone down a similar path

[freddydoesdallas]

John, all the money in the world can't buy you happiness (or the Champions League trophy Roman). Look how many fighters end up doing silly things after they retire or end up back in the ring just to get the buzz again. I'm guessing it's a pretty hard come down for so many to fall into the trap.

Even Rocky Balboa couldn't give up the spotlight

[stujones]

John, as cliched as it is, money isn't everything. Not even close. Think back to all the greatest moments of your life; how many of them have been brought about by the amount of money in your bank account? None of my most memorable had anything whatsoever to do with money; in fact most of them occured when I was nigh on skint.

When you realise that those moments are never going to recur due to unavoidable changes i.e. ageing, it is not always easy to accept. The secret is to set new, appropriate goals that still get you buzzing. I get the feeling that being the figurehead of a promotional company doesn't quite do it for Ricky.

I think the fire burning out at the young age of 31 - when still not far off his prime and being constantly asked the question of a comeback - must make it tougher.

Reminds me of the Barry McGuigan situation after the Cruz fight and I'm still not convinced we have seen the last of Ricky in the ring.

[johnswan1]

John, all the money in the world can't buy you happiness (or the Champions League trophy Roman). Look how many fighters end up doing silly things after they retire or end up back in the ring just to get the buzz again. I'm guessing it's a pretty hard come down for so many to fall into the trap.

Even Rocky Balboa couldn't give up the spotlight

Fred, some of us have much bigger things to get depressed about than the feeling of missing being in the spotlight. Boxing has been very good to Ricky and I'm sure his problems pale in comparison to the problems of many whom have filled his pockets by following him over the years.

Rock bottom is filing for bankruptcy. Rock bottom is the sudden loss of a family member or loved one.

He has experienced highs most of the rest of us will never get close to. Should the rest of us all mope around and start abusing drugs because we won't ever get to experience the highs that he has?

Ok, depression is an illness and peoples problems are only as big as they become in their own head, but at least Ricky is fortunate to be able to afford to get the best treatment out there should he want it.

Some people have a similar illness but have no choice but to keep working to pay the bills rather than seek treatment for it. Not everybody can whisk themselves away to a luxury depression clinic for months at a time.

[jamesmcdonnell]

I dont think we've heard the last of Hatton's struggles with depression and the bottle. I wish him well, but I think he's got a long journey ahead of him yet on the road to recovery. He may well have to knock the booze on the head completely.

[Chambers2]

Hatton does seem to be less of a prick since his stint in the priory.

I know someone who suffers from depression, it's horrible to see a once happy-go-lucky person reduced to a wreck. People who don't understand depression shouldn't be commenting on it, money has little to do with it

[Glyn Leach]

Money has sod all to do with it IMO, it can affect your outlook but not your root personality. It isn't the same as feeling a bit pissed off about something. If you have depression in you, it's in you, end of. It just waits for an opportunity to come out.

[johnswan1]

John, all the money in the world can't buy you happiness (or the Champions League trophy Roman). Look how many fighters end up doing silly things after they retire or end up back in the ring just to get the buzz again. I'm guessing it's a pretty hard come down for so many to fall into the trap.

Even Rocky Balboa couldn't give up the spotlight

Fred, some of us have much bigger things to get depressed about than the feeling of missing being in the spotlight. Boxing has been very good to Ricky and I'm sure his problems pale in comparison to the problems of many whom have filled his pockets by following him over the years.

Rock bottom is filing for bankruptcy. Rock bottom is the sudden loss of a family member or loved one.

He has experienced highs most of the rest of us will never get close to. Should the rest of us all mope around and start abusing drugs because we won't ever get to experience the highs that he has?

Ok, depression is an illness and peoples problems are only as big as they become in their own head, but at least Ricky is fortunate to be able to afford to get the best treatment out there should he want it.

Some people have a similar illness but have no choice but to keep working to pay the bills rather than seek treatment for it. Not everybody can whisk themselves away to a luxury depression clinic for months at a time.

So what's your point? Because he's got a few quid he doesn't deserve any sympathy? What if it was a 'real' illness like cancer; would that make a difference to your level of compassion?

I know tons of people with varying levels of depression. Being financially secure and not having significant work commitments allows Ricky the opportunity to get the best help available for what is a treatable and curable condition. It is not comparable to cancer. Money is not everything but it makes a big difference in something like this.

[Wrists]

There is just no link between being clinically depressed and how much money you have, no link whatsoever.

Thats a fact.

Depression is an illness which bites and bites hard and attacks when it wants to.

I have experience of this (not personally) but a very close family member and let me tell you its an absolute arse in how it comes on and lingers.

It takes bravery to deal with it and I wish anyone including Hatton the very best of luck in dealing with it.

Kevin

[johnswan1]

Well that's fornicating bullshit if I ever heard it.

I know people depressed and having a tough time with things but I know:

a) They couldn't afford to take time off work to book into a clinic for a month of rehab.

b) They would be risking their job by trying to get time off for such treatment.

c) They couldn't afford the treatment in a private clinic.

d) They have families to support and don't have the finances available to arrange alternative care.

e) They have a fear of something like this on their health record would adversely affect their career opportunities.

Don't tell me money doesn't make a difference. Ricky has tons of money - he isn't required to keep a daily presence in his home for his children - he can afford the very best private treatment available - he has the free time to get whatever treatment is necessary.

He has it MUCH EASIER than others suffering from depression. Money doesn't equal happiness but it can go a long way towards helping treat a curable condition like depression. It is complete and utter bullshit to suggest always.

[Chambers2]

Don't tell me money doesn't make a difference.

It's not the over-riding factor though. Rich people can still get depressed

[Glyn Leach]

As I said before, depression is not the same as feeling a bit pissed off about something. There might be absolutely nothing wrong in a sufferer's life, everything might be going fantastically well for them, yet they might still be depressed. And that isn't a matter of them not being grateful for their good fortune, not being thankful for what they've got when others have less, it's just the way they are. Money doesn't make any difference, there is no cure, only control. Therapy does nothing for them, you can't talk your way out of a chemical imbalance, so being able to pay for the best shrink in the world wouldn't matter. The only way is to correct the imbalance with drugs and you can get them on the national health, you don't need to be a multi millionaire. Money counts for nothing.

[jtourettes]

As I said before, depression is not the same as feeling a bit pissed off about something. There might be absolutely nothing wrong in a sufferer's life, everything might be going fantastically well for them, yet they might still be depressed. And that isn't a matter of them not being grateful for their good fortune, not being thankful for what they've got when others have less, it's just the way they are. Money doesn't make any difference, there is no cure, only control. Therapy does nothing for them, you can't talk your way out of a chemical imbalance, so being able to pay for the best shrink in the world wouldn't matter. The only way is to correct the imbalance with drugs and you can get them on the national health, you don't need to be a multi millionaire. Money counts for nothing.

Nice to see a sensible post on the subject and you've pretty much said what I was going to say.

[johnswan1]

As I said before, depression is not the same as feeling a bit pissed off about something. There might be absolutely nothing wrong in a sufferer's life, everything might be going fantastically well for them, yet they might still be depressed. And that isn't a matter of them not being grateful for their good fortune, not being thankful for what they've got when others have less, it's just the way they are. Money doesn't make any difference, there is no cure, only control. Therapy does nothing for them, you can't talk your way out of a chemical imbalance, so being able to pay for the best shrink in the world wouldn't matter. The only way is to correct the imbalance with drugs and you can get them on the national health, you don't need to be a multi millionaire. Money counts for nothing.

Maybe you should look at points a-e above where money counts for a lot.

[jamesmcdonnell]

As I said before, depression is not the same as feeling a bit pissed off about something. There might be absolutely nothing wrong in a sufferer's life, everything might be going fantastically well for them, yet they might still be depressed. And that isn't a matter of them not being grateful for their good fortune, not being thankful for what they've got when others have less, it's just the way they are. Money doesn't make any difference, there is no cure, only control. Therapy does nothing for them, you can't talk your way out of a chemical imbalance, so being able to pay for the best shrink in the world wouldn't matter. The only way is to correct the imbalance with drugs and you can get them on the national health, you don't need to be a multi millionaire. Money counts for nothing.

Having been out with someone recently who suffered from depression, I can testify that it is extremely serious, and it's not a matter of 'pulling yourself together' the girl told me that unless she took her tablets, she risked wanting to kill herself, because she just couldn't see the point of being alive when depression got hold of her.

[charlieb]

Well that's effing bullshit if I ever heard it.

I know people depressed and having a tough time with things but I know:

a) They couldn't afford to take time off work to book into a clinic for a month of rehab.

b) They would be risking their job by trying to get time off for such treatment.

c) They couldn't afford the treatment in a private clinic.

d) They have families to support and don't have the finances available to arrange alternative care.

e) They have a fear of something like this on their health record would adversely affect their career opportunities.

Don't tell me money doesn't make a difference. Ricky has tons of money - he isn't required to keep a daily presence in his home for his children - he can afford the very best private treatment available - he has the free time to get whatever treatment is necessary.

He has it MUCH EASIER than others suffering from depression. Money doesn't equal happiness but it can go a long way towards helping treat a curable condition like depression. It is complete and utter bullshit to suggest always.

Absolutely.
Even when finances aren't the root cause of depression, a lack of it will certainly help it on it's way.

[freddydoesdallas]

John, i think you might be comparing different things here. Depression is a very serious thing and is something that a lot of people don't come back from. Financial things can lead people who have a predisposition to depression but as peole have already said, once you're in that black hole, money means absolutely nothing. The love of your family means absolutely nothing and you sink further and further away. If you can get out of it, there's always the risk of you falling back in, you're never fully cured.

People with depression would not be worrying about their job security or the other things you mentioned once they get to a certain point

[jtourettes]

John, i think you might be comparing different things here. Depression is a very serious thing and is something that a lot of people don't come back from. Financial things can lead people who have a predisposition to depression but as peole have already said, once you're in that black hole, money means absolutely nothing. The love of your family means absolutely nothing and you sink further and further away. If you can get out of it, there's always the risk of you falling back in, you're never fully cured.

People with depression would not be worrying about their job security or the other things you mentioned once they get to a certain point

Exactly.

Look at Darren Sutherland. He seemed to have a promising career ahead of him and everything to live for but Depression doesn't care for any of these things. Unfortuinately for a lot of people out there, once it gets hold of you you're stuck with it forever.

[Glyn Leach]

As I said before, depression is not the same as feeling a bit pissed off about something. There might be absolutely nothing wrong in a sufferer's life, everything might be going fantastically well for them, yet they might still be depressed. And that isn't a matter of them not being grateful for their good fortune, not being thankful for what they've got when others have less, it's just the way they are. Money doesn't make any difference, there is no cure, only control. Therapy does nothing for them, you can't talk your way out of a chemical imbalance, so being able to pay for the best shrink in the world wouldn't matter. The only way is to correct the imbalance with drugs and you can get them on the national health, you don't need to be a multi millionaire. Money counts for nothing.

Maybe you should look at points a-e above where money counts for a lot.

I did, I just don't agree and my reply deals with points a, c, and d, if you read it carefully. Point b, you don't have to take time off work to take medication. Point e is moot, that's their choice, but that's possibly the only point you raise where money might come into it as far as I'm concerned. Points a,c and d: They don't need rehab, they don't need time off work, they don't need to be able to afford treatment. They need medication, which is available on the NHS.

And Macho, spot on. Too many people claim to be depressed when in fact they're just unhappy about something and don't deal with it. Totally different things.

[johnswan1]

Some good points raised here.

The problem for me is defining what is depression.

Sutherland had it. Of course he did - because he ended up dead over it.

Does Hatton have that same depression? Or is he having a form of the post holiday depression we all get in some form or another? You know when you go and have a brilliant holiday or do some travelling and then come back and are depressed that you have to fit back into the daily routine of the office?

What would Max Clifford say if Hatton went to him after being caught out taking drugs and shamed in a national newspaper?

"Come on young lad. Admit that you were wrong and that you are suffering depression and get yourself booked into rehab for a few weeks. By the time you come out people will go from saying what a pudendum you are to what a brave hero you are".

Didn't they say he was an alcoholic but now he says he is controlling it to only every other week? I know reformed alcoholics and they will tell you that any alcoholic who tells you he can control his drinking isn't yet ready to face up to the truth.

I can't say that Hatton doesn't suffer from depression or what the extend of such depression is but all this talk of black holes etc. - I'd imagine not everybody feels suicidal and that you don't need to be suicidal to be diagnosed with depression. People on here are saying "if you have depression it will always be there with you". I don't really agree with that. I think there are of course different levels of depression, many of which are treatable and probably curable. In many of the worst cases the depressed person portrays little sign of it before taking their own life.

There is no exact science behind it and nobody can say the only treatment is pills that are available on the NHS to try to correct a chemical imbalance. How can anybody write off the work of psychiatrists whom have worked hard to help people with depression and have achieved favourable results?

[Glyn Leach]

Exactly John, it's all in the definition. Hatton has every reason to feel pissed off, his career ended badly and he fucked up in the News of the Screws, but did he ever show signs of or complain of being depressed before then? Maybe he did but didn't mention it, but I don't remember him mentioning it.