Ricky Hatton tells of 'disgust' over drugs allegations

Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton has spoken of his "disgust" at his alleged binge drinking and drug taking but insisted he did not have a problem.

The 31-year-old, who is to be investigated by police over allegations he snorted cocaine in a hotel room, was admitted to a rehabilitation clinic last week.

Hatton, who was secretly filmed taking what is alleged to be lines of the class A drug on a night out, gave an interview in which he revealed his anger and pledged to fight and win his way back to health.

Speaking to the News of the World he said: "I'm so angry I could knock myself out. I'm disgusted at myself for what I have done. I've had a wonderful career and am furious that I have tarnished it."

Hatton, however, insisted he did not have a problem. He said: "I'm not the slightest bit worried about the cocaine. Problem? What problem? I have dabbled with the drug on a few sparing occasions. The only time I have ever done it is when I have been so depressed or drunk that it's a case of, 'Go on then'."

The boxer revealed he had been suffering blackouts, panic attacks and depression following a second-round knockout by Filipino fighter Manny Pacquiao in May 2009, Hatton's last fight.

In a video clip on the newspaper's website, he stares directly into the camera saying: "I'm Ricky Hatton and I'm here to tell the truth. I'm currently in the Priory dealing with depression due to the fact that I have not been able to cope with my retirement from boxing. I have been binge drinking and dabbling in other daft things. It is going to be the toughest fight of my life and I'm here to win it."

Police said they would respect the former boxer's privacy after he admitted himself to the clinic. He is to be interviewed once his rehabilitation is complete.