Ricky Hatton has opened up on his battle with depression that led to him nearly killing himself.
The former world light-welterweight champion admits he hit his lowest point following the defeat to Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas in 2009.
Outside of the ring he also fell out with his parents and trainer and admits he attempted suicide once a week for a year through drink – but couldn’t go through with slashing his wrists.
“I didn’t care if I lived or f***ing died, I really didn’t. I’d come into the gym to train and the boys felt I was all right but I’d go home and sit there crying. Without even a drink in me, I’d get the knife out and do it again," he told the Sun.
Hatton admits he turned to drink and drugs during the darkest time of his career, adding: "I needed saving as I wasn’t going to do it myself and I wasn’t going to ask for help."
Hatton, who turns 40 next month, admits he started to turn things around when his ex Jennifer fell pregnant with daughter Millie.
He is now in a happier place, helping young boxers in his gym as they look to follow in his footsteps.
Hatton admits boxing can be a dark place and admits he has concerns for Tyson Fury, who has previously struggled with depression.
“The only thing I worry about with Tyson is long term — once boxing has gone, you can’t go back," Hatton adds.
“He’s got to do what I do. I hope I’m the one he turns to. I’d go as far as to say it feels like the depression has gone — but I know it hasn’t.”
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