In a profoundly moving and brutally honest interview with The Mirror, British boxing icon Ricky Hatton has laid bare the devastating mental health struggles that nearly destroyed him after his glittering career ended.
The Darkest Depths: Suicidal Thoughts and Isolation
The former two-weight world champion, once celebrated by 30,000 roaring fans in Manchester, revealed how he contemplated taking his own life during his darkest moments. "I was on the brink," Hatton confessed, his voice heavy with emotion. "The thought of ending it all became a constant, terrifying presence in my mind."
Hatton described how the transition from global superstar to retired athlete left him feeling empty and directionless. The adrenaline rush of championship fights was replaced by overwhelming depression and anxiety that left him unable to leave his house for weeks.
From Champion to Broken Man: The Price of Glory
The Hitman's fall from grace was as dramatic as his rise to fame. The boxer who once headlined Las Vegas events found himself drowning in alcohol and despair, with his mental health deteriorating rapidly after his final professional bout against Vyacheslav Senchenko in 2012.
"When the lights went out and the crowds disappeared, I didn't know who I was anymore," Hatton revealed. "The drinking escalated, the depression deepened, and I lost all sense of purpose."
The Turning Point: Finding Hope in Darkness
Hatton's remarkable journey back from the brink began with confronting his demons head-on. Through professional help, support from loved ones, and rediscovering his passion for boxing through coaching, he gradually rebuilt his life.
"I realized I had to choose between giving up completely or fighting back," he said. "Just like in the ring, I decided to get up off the canvas and keep swinging."
A Message of Hope to Others Struggling
Today, Hatton uses his platform to destigmatize mental health issues, particularly within the sporting community. He emphasizes that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and wants others to learn from his experience.
"If my story can help one person who's struggling to reach out for help, then everything I've been through will have been worth it," Hatton stated. "No matter how dark it seems, there is always hope and help available."
The boxing legend's powerful testimony serves as both a cautionary tale about the pressures of professional sport and an inspiring message of redemption and recovery that resonates far beyond the boxing world.
