Ricky Hatton stripped of boxing license due to drug use

After newspaper published a photo and revealed his drug use, former Boxing champ Ricky Hatton was found guilty of misconduct by the British Boxing Board of Control and was stripped of his boxing license.

The English Hitman was also fined $31,000 at the board hearing Wednesday but can still work as a promoter.

The board issued statement: "The board found Ricky Hatton guilty of misconduct in that his actions and behavior were detrimental to the interests of boxing and to the public interest and that he had brought the sport into disrepute.

"Ricky Hatton is not an active boxer and his current physical condition is such that the board decided to withdraw his boxer's license."

"The board is especially concerned to keep the sport of boxing free from drugs, whether taken for recreational or performance-enhancing reasons, and to be vigilant in identifying and dealing with cases of alcohol abuse."

The 31-year-old boxer is currently at a rehabilitation clinic and facing a police inquiry.

Hatton last fight is with Manny Pacquiao in May 2009 in which the Filipino champ knockout him out, since then he has been diagnosed with depression and a drinking problem by a specialist.

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao destroy Ricky Hatton via Knockout

Slap in the face of Hatton's trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr.!!!!

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao shows why he is being hailed as the No.1 Pound for Pound Boxer of the World as he annihilated Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton in the second round.

Pacquiao's accuracy and punching power landed on the British Hitman's face. Pacquiao stunned the crowd as he knockout Hatton two times in the first round and a smashing blow that end the game in 2:59 of the second round.

Freddie Roach show that he is a better trainer than trash-talking Mayweather Sr.

Congratulations to Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, the new International Boxing Organization light welterweight Champion.

[photo courtesy of Yahoo sports/Getty images]

WWE Batista will join Manny Pacquiao's entourage

Another popular celebrity will join Manny Pacquiao's entourage that will enter the ring before Pacquiao collide with Ricky Hatton in MGM Grand Garden Arene in Las Vegas.

Chino Trinidad reported yesterday that World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star Batista who has a Filipino-Greek heritage will carry Manny Pacquiao’s championship belts when the pound-for-pound king makes his way to the ring.

Nickname "The Animal", he is proud with his Filipino heritage that's why he has a tattoo of the Philippine flag on his left bicep.

He said via British Sun, "I love Ricky but Manny is in a league of his own — he is off the charts. I am thrilled to be there to support him before the bout."

Batista will be joining the list of WWE stars like Undertaker and Christian Cage that accompanied Pacquiao in the way to the ring of his previous fights.

Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton makes the weight; Tale of the Tape

UPDATE: Emotions are high as the Fans scream, sings and cheers for their boxing idols. Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton both passed their weight requirements.

Pacman passed the 140 lbs. weight requirement with 138 lbs., it is his debut fight at light welter. The hitman Hatton, who is defending his Ring Magazine and International Boxing Organization light welter belt, weighed in exactly at 140-lbs.

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The whole world are now excited as the “The Battle of East and West" will collide to gain the respect and the recognition to be hail as the no.1 boxer in the world. Pound for Pound boxer Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton will give you a explosive fight that many predict that it will end in a Knockout.

The Filipino Pride and the British hitman bout is now consider the match up of the year which will happen on May 2, 2009 (9PM ET/6PM PT) - May 3 Sunday (8AM Philippine time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arene in Las Vegas.

The southpaw Pacquiao has elite power, handspeed, footwork and stamina. The offensive minded puncher Pacquiao has refined his boxing skills with Freddie Roach on his side. Stockily built Ricky Hatton is an aggressive bodypuncher that releases high volume attacks that punishes his opponents. Delivering strategy for Hatton is Floyd Mayweather Sr.

Aside from the recognition, it is a light welterweight title fight for the International Boxing Organization (IBO).

TALE OF THE TAPE

Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao

Age - 30
Height - 5″ 6′ 1/2
Reach - 67″
Chest Normal - 38″
Chest Expanded - 40″ 1/2
Biceps - 13″
Forearms - 12″
Waist - 28″
Thigh - 20″
Calf - 15″
Ankle - 11″
Neck - 16″
Wrist - 8″
Fist - 10″


Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton

Age - 30
Height - 5″7′ 1/2
Reach - 65″
Chest Normal - 37″
Chest Expanded - 36″
Biceps - 13″
Forearms - 9″ 1/2
Waist - 30″
Thigh - 20″
Calf - 14″ 1/2
Ankle - 10″
Neck - 15″
Wrist -7″
Fist - 11″