Hatton cocaine photos lead to police probe

Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton will be investigated by police following the publication in the News of the World of photographs of him apparently snorting cocaine in a Manchester hotel room.

The 31-year-old, known to his fans as the Hitman, was out on the town with his friend, Irish senior women's boxing champion Emma Bowe, when he was caught on camera apparently taking the drug.

On Monday, he admitted himself to a rehabilitation clinic.

A police spokesman said on Thursday: "Police in Trafford are aware of the allegations made against Mr Hatton and are looking into the matter.

"Greater Manchester Police acknowledges that Mr Hatton has voluntarily entered rehabilitation and the force will respect his privacy. Once his rehabilitation has been completed, officers will be speaking to Mr Hatton about the allegations."

Speaking after Hatton entered rehab, his publicist Max Clifford revealed that Hatton had battled with drink and severe depression for some time, but the drugs were a recent development.

Hatton's problems with the police echo those of his one-time nemesis Floyd Mayweather Jr who is currently accused of beating his former girlfriend and stealing her iPhone.

Since Mayweather's career-defining defeat of Hatton in 2007, both boxers' careers and lives have taken a turn for the worse.

"My reaction is that I wish all the best for them," commented fellow boxer, Oscar De La Hoya.

"Maybe it's a cry for help. They definitely, especially Ricky Hatton, need help." ·