Ricky Hatton: 'Drugs don't affect me'

Ricky Hatton has insisted that he is not affected by drug use, despite checking into rehab last week.

Speaking to the News of the World, the former boxing star responded to last week's reports that he was taking cocaine on a regular basis since last year and has been an alcoholic for longer.

He said: "I'm not the slightest bit worried about the cocaine. Problem? What problem? You would associate alcoholism with shorts like whisky and vodka - but I have never really had that.

"It's not hard to get hold of and because of the depression I have been drinking more. So from nights out to nights out, I didn't have a clue what I was doing. It could have come from anyone at any time."

However, Hatton did apologise to fans for his actions, saying: "I'm disgusted at myself for what I have done. I've had a wonderful career and am furious that I have tarnished it."