Promoter Frank Warren has called for a boxing ban on his ex-fighter, Ricky Hatton. On Saturday, British tabloid News of The World released a shocking video*that showed*Hatton snorting several lines of cocaine in a bathroom. Warren was not surprised by the latest events. Even prior to their promotional split five years ago, Hatton was boozing it up at the local pubs.
"It's very sad that this has happened, but I can't say I'm surprised. There have been rumours going round the sport for ages and from what we've seen this weekend it appears that they were true. If you watch the video of him snorting the drugs, it doesn't exactly look as though he is doing it for the first time. Ricky clearly has problems. He has an addictive personality and needs to get treatment," Warren told The Sun.
Hatton recently renewed his boxing license and he actively promotes dozens of British fighters. Warren wants the British Boxing Board of Control to ban him from fighting, and handling the contracts of fighters through his promotional company - until the Manchester star seeks help for his demons and straightens himself out.
"The Board of Control need to show their mettle and ban him until he sorts himself out. Ricky obviously needs help and I hope for his sake he gets it. He has brought the sport into disrepute and must not be allowed to fight or promote again until he can show he is clean," Warren said.