Hatton 'getting back to old self'

[dekker88]

Ricky Hatton's father has said his son is "getting back to his old self" but refused to be drawn on whether the boxer could return to the ring.

Hatton, 31, was stripped of his licence to box at a hearing in September after allegations about use of cocaine.

His physical condition was cited as one reason for the licence's withdrawal, but he has since shed over two stone.

"He's doing well. He's in a much better place than he was a few months ago," Ray Hatton told BBC Radio 5 live.

"He's getting back to his old self. Since he came out of hospital he's training hard in his own house in the morning and he's in the gym every night with the boxers and he's lost over two stone.

"He's looking and feeling well and you can see a glint of the devilment in him, his own self back, which is lovely for his family and friends."

Boxing won't ever lose Ricky Hatton because he loves it - that's the only thing I can say with any certainty

Ray Hatton
Former two-weight world champion Hatton, who was said to be suffering from severe depression and a drink problem, attended a rehabilitation clinic following newspaper allegations that he used cocaine.

The Mancunian also had his manager's and second's licence revoked by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) after being found guilty of misconduct, but he can still work as a promoter.

He last fought in May 2009, when he suffered a knockout defeat by Manny Pacquiao, but has never ruled out a return to the ring.

Ray Hatton said his son would decide on his boxing future, adding: "We always said it'd be Richard's decision, he'll decide what he wants to do.

"He's always been very much his own man and it's up to him. It's not a decision me, or his mum or his brother can make.


606: DEBATE
Should Ricky return to the ring?
"In the last few weeks he's been coming to the gym and he's been around our boxers here at Hatton Promotions.

"You can see he loves boxing and it's nice to see the spring in his heels and it's wonderful to see how the other boxers respond when Ricky says something.

"Obviously, he's been involved in boxing since he was 10 years of age and you can't just dismiss something like that. Boxing won't ever lose Ricky Hatton, that's the only thing I can say with any certainty, because he loves it."

[Counter-puncher]

he's a jack the lad, thats just how he is.

[WildWaylon]

It was his old self that was his down fall. Too much drinking and eating. He needs a new life style that keeps him out of pubs and chipshops. Lets hope all he has been through, he keeps in mind, while putting it behind him. Boxing needs him, not as a fighter anymore, but as a personality and a promoter.

[ThereByTheGrace]

I think the main thing is he's not feeling sorry for himself now and he is starting to see how many people really don't care about Hatton the boxer more Hatton the person.

Best of luck Ricky