Former two-time IBF and IBO Light Welterweight Champion Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton was stripped of his boxing license Thursday. The British Boxing Board of Control found him guilty of misconduct for drug use.
 
Hatton (45-2, 32 KOs) is currently in a rehabilitation clinic for drinking and depression. He has not fought since he was knocked on to Queer Street by  Manny Pacquiao in the second round of their May 2009 title bout.
 
After "The Hitman" was demolished by Pacquiao (51-3-2, 38 KOs), Hatton entirely removed himself from the ring. He hinted on many occasions that he was through with his career as a prizefighter.
 
"Boxing started off as a habit and it ended up giving me some money and making me a little bit of a better person," Hatton said in a June 2010 interview with Gulfnews.com. "But I don't think I will have a fight again. But you can never say never as I have not officially announced that I won't be boxing. At the moment I don't have any fire in the belly for a fight or to get myself to a gym. But it has only been 13 months and I am only 31, so never count me out."
 
Hatton was one of the most popular English pugilists in the annals of the sport. Even though  he possessed only above average skills in the squared circle.
 
Nevertheless, if Hatton doesn't have "any fire in the belly," he should hang-up his gloves for good.
 
"Hatton was always overrated," said Brad Sherwood, 30, a resident of South Boston who is employed as a personal trainer at Gold's Gym in Medford. "If his heart isn't in it, he has to quit for good before he gets hurt."
 
If Hatton doesn't retire and prepares for a match halfheartedly, he will essentially be putting a contract out on himself.
 
Boxing has zero compassion and it certainly won't miraculously become kind for a "Hit Man."