The former two-weight world champion insists he has got his life back together for the first time since walking away from the ring in 2009.
The Hitman was last year stripped of his boxing licence when pictured appearing to snort a white powder.
But now expecting a child with girlfriend Jennifer Dooley, as well as promoting Amir Khan’s homecoming fight against Paul McCloskey next month, Hatton says life couldn’t be better.
“It is common knowledge that I haven't coped very well with retirement, but you need to hit rock bottom before you get yourself back in gear,” said Hatton. “I'm glad it did happen because I feel content now.
“I didn't cope very well with the thought of never having that feeling of having your hand raised and hearing the crowd cheer.
“I watched a clip of my fight with Floyd Mayweather last week – the weigh-in – and it brought a tear to my eye. Every time I see a clip of my flights and the big nights, it's hard knowing that will never happen again. It is heartbreaking.
“I wake up every single morning and miss it.”
Hatton has also revealed that he’s cut back on the booze for the sake of his son, Campbell.
“For a period after the Manny Pacquiao fight I just spent my time sulking and depressed,” he said. “Everybody knows when you're depressed and have a few pints it's not a good mixture.
“Now I am in a good place and I'm enjoying life.”
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Well done Ricky.
Well done Ricky. Stay out of the the ring though.
how can you have conkered your demands you still support the rubbish team at Eastlands.
John(Manchester)
All the very best Ricky, whenever you are in our local, you always have time for people and youare a true legend. Life chucks some challenges at you and the mark of the man is how you deal with them. All the best
Thats life Ricky, you've had something special but its not over, theres lots more for you to do Follow the smart fellas now. Give Campbell and the rest of the family as much as you can and you'll find a different high. George Best and Brian Clough were my favourite sporting personalities, but the saddest sights anyone would wish to see in later life. Be proud of this next stage now, good luck.
well mr. hatton i hope its true . . . . dont waste and dont destroy your future. the most important is the acceptance. it's normal for a boxer to be defeated
Ricky mate
I'd've gone way more off thye rails than you ever did.
No need to apologiise for anything mate.
It was a pleasure to have seen you mate.
now your in a good place and enjoying life ? so your not at eastlands then ! nice to see hatton in the evening news again it must be at least 5 minits that he was last in the paper do some work m.e,n, reporters visit gyms and talk to some real boxers and not some washed out bum feeling sorry for himself stop courting the press ricky ya boaring the news of the world caught ya bang to rights bit like the pac man did
Good luck Ricky.
amir khan will never get the big british crowds like you did.you are a geniue down to earth lad who are just like the average guy on the street.never cocky or flash.YOU AND LENNOX LEWIS.TRUE LEGENDS
Glad to hear Ricky's getting better. I watched the Mayweather weigh in the other day and for me it wasn't sad. It was proud that a lad from Manchester went to Vegas, fought the best, gave it his all and never gave in. Forget the losses, I'll remember the Kostya Tszyu fight. Absolute war. Hopefully Ricky gets into the training game as he's got a lot of knowledge to pass of. He hasn't lost any popularity what so ever