Ricky Hatton has said he hopes a new documentary can help people suffering from depression 'come out the other end' like he did.
The former professional British boxer competed between 1997 and 2012, taking light-welterweight and welterweight World Titles.
A new documentary shines a light on his career highs and personal lows.
'Hatton' charts his journey from Manchester to headlining on the strip in Las Vegas.
Triumph and pride were replaced by depression, addiction, and shame.
A near-decade estrangement from his family and split from his coach pushed Hatton to his absolute rock bottom.
Hatton told The Hard Shoulder he would love to turn the clock back.
"I've had some wonderful times, been through a lot of bad times," he said.
"I'd love to turn the clock back and still be lifting World Title belts and taking fans to Las Vegas.
"But I've never been in a better place, to be honest with you.
"Of course, I'd love to turn the clock back and do all them things all over again, but I've never been in a better place because of what I've been through and come out the other end."
Ricky Hatton at home with his IBO World Championship belt in August 2007. Picture by: Trinity Mirror / Mirrorpix / Alamy Stock PhotoHatton said mental health is probably more important now than ever before.
"Mental health and suicide in youngsters and depression is so - what with the lockdown we had and the cost of living - mental health is probably worse than it's ever been," he said
"If I can, with the documentary, go through all the great times... but also the bad times, I'm trying to use them bad times that I had to a positive.
"There's no doubt there's a lot of people out there that are in the same position, present day, that I was in a few years ago.
"If they watch it, and this helps them and proves to them that they can come out the other end if they do the right things, then it's been well and truly worth it.
"I just think it's the perfect time to do it: to celebrate my career and also help people that might be in a bad place where I used to be."
'A few tears'
Hatton said he hopes people can reminisce from the documentary as well.
"I hope they'll buzz off it, in the sense that, 'Oh I remember that fight'... There were so many great moments.
"I think that's what people are going to rekindle all them good memories.
"But then I think there's going to be a few tears and lumps in the back of the throat to see just how bad it went for me," he added.
Listen back here:
'Hatton' will air on Sky Documentaries and NOW TV on August 31st
Anyone affected by issues raised in this article can contact The Samaritans by calling 116-123 or email jo@samaritans.ie
