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Ricky Hatton bravely opens up on trying to take his own life as boxing legend admits ‘I almost wasn't here'
The Pride of Hyde is fronting a new campaign
HATTON'S PAIN Ricky Hatton bravely opens up on trying to take his own life as boxing legend admits 'I almost wasn't here'
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RICKY HATTON has bravely opened up about trying to end his life in a bid to help those fighting mental health problems.
The former boxing world champion, 46, admitted there had been times he'd wanted to end things - but battled back from the brink.
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Ricky Hatton has opened up on his mental health demons
Credit: PA
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The former world champ admits he tried to take his own life after retirement
Credit: PA:Press Association
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Hatton shared this picture of the campaign poster
Credit: Instagram
Hatton made his comments as part of a new poster campaign.
Billboards featuring The Hitman and adorned with the message "I Felt Suicidal, I Stayed" are currently on display in a bid to raise awareness of the struggles many face.
Ricky said: "I almost wasn't here. But in the end I decided to stay.
"There's always a reason to stay. You don't think it at the time.
"But there always is. After doing so, these days my job isn't just boxing, it is to help spread the word and help people in the same place I was a few years ago."
Hyde-born Hatton won 45 of his 48 pro fights during a glittering career.
But his mental health deteriorated after stepping away from boxing in 2012.
The multi-weight world champ admits he tried to kill himself on several occasions in a battle with depression.
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Hatton also talked about the need for boxers to get more help after hanging up their gloves.
He told BBC Radio 4's Today show: "I tried to kill myself several times.
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"I used to go to the pub, come back and sit there in the dark crying hysterically."
He continued: "There were times when I hadn't had a drink for days and I'd still come home and if something went through my mind I'd start pondering something.
"It was the same outcome whether I was having a drink or wasn't having a drink.
"But in the end I thought I'll end up drinking myself to death because I was so miserable.
"I was coming off the rails with my drinking and that led to drugs. It was like a runaway train."
