I didn’t care whether I lived or died after losing to Mayweather and Pacquiao, even my parents wouldn’t speak to me

RICKY HATTON “didn’t care” if he lived or died after losing to Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather – and even his parents refused to speak to him.

The Manchester boxer, 44, was literally on top of the world as IBO and The Ring light-welterweight champion.

He stepped up to welterweight and was stopped by Mayweather in 2007 then surrendered his world titles to Pacquiao two years later.

But away from the boxing ring and public persona, the Hitman was struggling with his mental health, to the point he felt suicidal as his life appeared to crumble around him.

Hatton said: “I was always paranoid about what people think, what’s the point in being world champion if everyone thinks you’re a d***head?

“In my own mind, I’d think everyone was laughing at me after losing to Mayweather, I felt embarrassed.

“It got worse when I lost to Mayweather and Pacquiao and I fell out with my mum, dad and [trainer] Billy Graham.

“I was suicidal. It ate away at me. I didn’t care if I lived or died.

“I thought to myself, ‘It’s over for me, no boxing, no parents to talk to, no Billy Graham to talk to, what the f*** am I doing here?’ That’s how bad it was.

“After the Pacquiao defeat was the worst time, I knew I was past it and had to retire.

“I was done. In my early 30s, I still had a lot of life to live but thought who would I celebrate this with?

“It was terrible, absolutely terrible. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”

Hatton came back for one last pro fight in 2012, getting knocked out by Vyacheslav Senchenko in his hometown.

His difficulties with substance abuse – including alcohol and drugs – as well as depression were a serious concern but Hatton sought help and has thankfully turned his life around.

He is now an advocate, encouraging people to talk about their mental health – after experiencing the pain of feeling unable to share in his lowest moments.

‘CAN’T KEEP IT IN’

Hatton continued on the RAW: The Fight Within podcast: “Mental health is so important because I nearly wasn’t here.

“Now [son] Campbell has gone professional and I’m a granddad.

“I’ve made up with Mum and Dad and Billy Graham. Look at all those wonderful things. If I’d killed myself, look what I would have lost out on.

“Jennifer my ex, I lived with her and she knew I wasn’t well but she didn’t even know how bad it was.

“When I was on my own I’d be in tears wanting to kill myself but then when I went home.

“I couldn’t go to my mates. They’d think, ‘Rick’s lost the plot,’ so I kept it in, that’s where the damage is done – you can’t keep it in on your own.

“Ladies have it as well but I think it’s harder for men.

“Boxers are perceived to be the toughest in the world. Ladies can’t help but tell their friends but I couldn’t go to the pub and tell the lads. Men don’t like to share.”

Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk