AceShowbiz - British boxing star Ricky Hatton checked into rehab on Monday, September 13, just a day after a British newspaper alleged he is hooked on cocaine. Photographs obtained by Britain's News of the World and published on Sunday reportedly showed the former WBA Welterweight Champion pouring a white substance on a tabletop and cutting up lines, before bending over and snorting it.

The fighter was quick to admit he is battling a health issue and on Monday he headed into The Priory rehab clinic in London to begin intensive treatment, according to his father Ray. He tells Britain's Daily Mirror, "The most important thing is Ricky, he is our number one concern at the minute. He is a very, very poorly young man and he has done the right thing and he has done it of his own volition."

"He has taken the first step and asked for help, he's volunteered and signed himself in for treatment indefinitely until he is well. It took a great deal of courage for him to do that."

Hatton's publicist Max Clifford adds, "The specialists told Ricky he has a drink problem and is suffering from depression. But they categorically said he does not have a big problem with drugs. He is not addicted to cocaine."