RICKY HATTON praised pal Tyson Fury for calling him to help him through a low spell.
Former two-time world champ Hatton, 43, is now a boxing trainer while the Gypsy King is retired following his win over Dillian Whyte – despite numerous hints he could be coaxed back into the ring to fight Anthony Joshua.
Tyson Fury and Ricky Hatton have both endured bouts of depression Credit: Instagram @gypsyking101 But both legends have endured battles with depression and Hatton has openly spoken out about his suicidal thoughts in the past.
The Hitman, who also fought off drug and alcohol addiction, told how help from friends and professionals turned him around.
In 2020, Hatton revealed how Fury, now 33, unexpectedly called him just to check in.
He told IFL TV: “I put a thing on my Instagram, ‘Not having my best day, but we’ve gotta get on with it’.
“Do you know who phoned me? Tyson Fury… within ten minutes. He said, ‘Hiya Rick, what’s up with you? You alright?’
“That’s the man, Tyson, just to make sure I was alright.”
The pair are good friends with Fury, inviting Hatton to be in his corner against Wilder in the first of their three thrilling fights
Fury used to drink 18 pints of lager at the height of his depression with his weight ballooning to 400lb.
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At his lowest point he attempted to drive his Ferrari into a motorway bridge – only to stop at the last minute as he thought about his five children.
Since recovering, Fury has been a big advocate in helping others who are going through similar issues.
One of his most-famous Instagram posts encouraged his followers to speak out if they had any mental health issues.
Fury said: “This message goes out there to anyone struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar, any mental health issues.
“I was one of the first people to speak openly about it in recent times; this is a special message to you.
“You can do it you know, you’ve just got to think of the positive things you have in your life.
“Positive things meaning being able to walk, breath in fresh air; you don’t need no help for walking around and doing things.
“Just keep positive – keep busy and everything is going to be alright.
“There’s plenty of people out there all in the same boat and it’s a hard fight that we must continue to fight – NEVER GIVE UP.”
Whatever you’re going through, call the Samaritans for free on 116 123
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
