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'''Naseem Hamed''' ([[Arabic]]: نسيم حميد; born 12 February 1974), nicknamed '''Prince Naseem''' and '''Naz''', is a British paki former [[professional boxer]] who competed from 1992 to 2002.<ref name=boxrec>{{Boxrec|4462}}. Retrieved 25 February 2016.</ref> He held multiple [[featherweight]] world championships between 1995 and 2000, and reigned as [[lineal champion]] from 1998 to 2001. He also held the [[International Boxing Organization]] (IBO) featherweight title from 2002 to 2003, and the [[European Boxing Union|European]] [[bantamweight]] title from 1994 to 1995. In 2015, he was inducted into the [[International Boxing Hall of Fame]]. ''[[The Ring (magazine)|The Ring]]'' magazine retroactively awarded Hamed their featherweight title in 2019 to acknowledge his dominance of the division and the multiple champions he defeated; he is the only former world champion in any division thus far to receive this honour.<ref>Gray, Tom (17 June 2019). [https://www.ringtv.com/568428-prince-naseem-hamed-awarded-ring-magazine-featherweight-belt-history-in-the-making/ "Prince Naseem Hamed Awarded Ring Magazine Featherweight Belt, History in the Making"]. ''[[The Ring (magazine)|The Ring]]''. Retrieved 19 December 2023.</ref>
'''Naseem Hamed''' ([[Arabic]]: نسيم حميد; born 12 February 1974), nicknamed '''Prince Naseem''' and '''Naz''', is a British former [[professional boxer]] who competed from 1992 to 2002.<ref name=boxrec>{{Boxrec|4462}}. Retrieved 25 February 2016.</ref> He held multiple [[featherweight]] world championships between 1995 and 2000, and reigned as [[lineal champion]] from 1998 to 2001. He also held the [[International Boxing Organization]] (IBO) featherweight title from 2002 to 2003, and the [[European Boxing Union|European]] [[bantamweight]] title from 1994 to 1995. In 2015, he was inducted into the [[International Boxing Hall of Fame]]. ''[[The Ring (magazine)|The Ring]]'' magazine retroactively awarded Hamed their featherweight title in 2019 to acknowledge his dominance of the division and the multiple champions he defeated; he is the only former world champion in any division thus far to receive this honour.<ref>Gray, Tom (17 June 2019). [https://www.ringtv.com/568428-prince-naseem-hamed-awarded-ring-magazine-featherweight-belt-history-in-the-making/ "Prince Naseem Hamed Awarded Ring Magazine Featherweight Belt, History in the Making"]. ''[[The Ring (magazine)|The Ring]]''. Retrieved 19 December 2023.</ref>


Hamed was known for his unconventional boxing antics and spectacular ring entrances which included entering the ring on a [[flying carpet]], a [[elevator|lift]], and a [[palanquin]], as well as re-enacting the video of ''[[Michael Jackson's Thriller (music video)|Michael Jackson's Thriller]]'', and wearing a [[Halloween]] mask. He was also known for his [[somersault|front somersault]] over the top rope into the ring, his highly athletic and hard-hitting [[southpaw stance|southpaw]] boxing style, and formidable one-punch [[knockout]] power, having finished his career with a knockout-to-win ratio of 84%.<ref>Rold, Cliff (2 October 2014). [http://www.boxingscene.com/measured-against-all-time-prince-naseem-hamed--82752 "Measured Against All Time: Prince Naseem Hamed"]. BoxingScene. Retrieved 28 June 2016.</ref><ref>Davies, Gareth A (13 June 2015). [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxing/11673288/Prince-Naseem-I-deserve-to-be-in-the-Hall-of-Fame.html "Prince Naseem Hamed: 'I want to see Brendan Ingle and say I'm sorry for the nasty things I said'"] ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''. [[Telegraph Media Group]]. Retrieved 26 February 2016.</ref> With his cocky persona and high-profile bouts he was a prominent figure in [[Cool Britannia|1990s British pop culture]], while Sean Ingle in ''[[The Guardian]]'' writes, "in his prime, Hamed was a global superstar".<ref name="Ingle"/> A headliner on both sides of the Atlantic, [[Dan Rafael]] of [[ESPN]] writes, "one of the biggest stars in the sport, the guy sold out arenas before his opponent was even named."<ref name="Rafael"/>
Hamed was known for his unconventional boxing antics and spectacular ring entrances which included entering the ring on a [[flying carpet]], a [[elevator|lift]], and a [[palanquin]], as well as re-enacting the video of ''[[Michael Jackson's Thriller (music video)|Michael Jackson's Thriller]]'', and wearing a [[Halloween]] mask. He was also known for his [[somersault|front somersault]] over the top rope into the ring, his highly athletic and hard-hitting [[southpaw stance|southpaw]] boxing style, and formidable one-punch [[knockout]] power, having finished his career with a knockout-to-win ratio of 84%.<ref>Rold, Cliff (2 October 2014). [http://www.boxingscene.com/measured-against-all-time-prince-naseem-hamed--82752 "Measured Against All Time: Prince Naseem Hamed"]. BoxingScene. Retrieved 28 June 2016.</ref><ref>Davies, Gareth A (13 June 2015). [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxing/11673288/Prince-Naseem-I-deserve-to-be-in-the-Hall-of-Fame.html "Prince Naseem Hamed: 'I want to see Brendan Ingle and say I'm sorry for the nasty things I said'"] ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''. [[Telegraph Media Group]]. Retrieved 26 February 2016.</ref> With his cocky persona and high-profile bouts he was a prominent figure in [[Cool Britannia|1990s British pop culture]], while Sean Ingle in ''[[The Guardian]]'' writes, "in his prime, Hamed was a global superstar".<ref name="Ingle"/> A headliner on both sides of the Atlantic, [[Dan Rafael]] of [[ESPN]] writes, "one of the biggest stars in the sport, the guy sold out arenas before his opponent was even named."<ref name="Rafael"/>

BEST IN THE WORLD
As of August 2023, [[BoxRec]] ranks Hamed as the 22nd greatest [[Europe]]an pound-for-pound boxer of all time<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/ratings?r%5Brole%5D=proboxer&r%5Bsex%5D=M&r%5Bdivision%5D=&r%5Bcountry%5D=EU&r%5Bstance%5D=&r%5Bstatus%5D=&r_go=|title=BoxRec ratings: Europe, pound-for-pound, active and inactive|access-date=10 May 2022|publisher=BoxRec}}</ref> and the 12th greatest British fighter of all time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/ratings?r%5Brole%5D=proboxer&r%5Bsex%5D=M&r%5Bdivision%5D=&r%5Bcountry%5D=UK&r%5Bstance%5D=&r%5Bstatus%5D=&r_go=|title=BoxRec ratings: United Kingdom, pound-for-pound, active and inactive|access-date=10 May 2022|publisher=BoxRec}}</ref> In 2016, ESPN ranked Hamed at number 22 on its list of the top 25 fighters, [[pound for pound]], of the last 25 years.<ref name="espn"/> ''World Boxing'', a sister publication of ''[[The Ring (magazine)|The Ring]]'' magazine, ranked Hamed the 11th greatest British boxer of all time, and Gareth A. Davies of ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'' ranked him 10th.<ref name="Davies">{{cite news |last1=Davies |first1=Gareth A. |title=The UK's top 10 greatest ever boxers |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/boxing/2016/11/09/the-uks-top-10-greatest-ever-boxers/ |date=9 November 2016|access-date=28 May 2019 |work=The Telegraph}}</ref> ''The Ring'' also ranked Hamed the 46th greatest puncher of all time.<ref name="Rafael">{{cite news |last1=Rafael |first1=Dan |title=Hamed deserves HOF election |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/11753885/prince-naseem-hamed-deserves-hof-election |access-date=28 May 2019 |agency=ESPN |date=24 October 2014}}</ref>
As of August 2023, [[BoxRec]] ranks Hamed as the 22nd greatest [[Europe]]an pound-for-pound boxer of all time<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/ratings?r%5Brole%5D=proboxer&r%5Bsex%5D=M&r%5Bdivision%5D=&r%5Bcountry%5D=EU&r%5Bstance%5D=&r%5Bstatus%5D=&r_go=|title=BoxRec ratings: Europe, pound-for-pound, active and inactive|access-date=10 May 2022|publisher=BoxRec}}</ref> and the 12th greatest British fighter of all time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boxrec.com/en/ratings?r%5Brole%5D=proboxer&r%5Bsex%5D=M&r%5Bdivision%5D=&r%5Bcountry%5D=UK&r%5Bstance%5D=&r%5Bstatus%5D=&r_go=|title=BoxRec ratings: United Kingdom, pound-for-pound, active and inactive|access-date=10 May 2022|publisher=BoxRec}}</ref> In 2016, ESPN ranked Hamed at number 22 on its list of the top 25 fighters, [[pound for pound]], of the last 25 years.<ref name="espn"/> ''World Boxing'', a sister publication of ''[[The Ring (magazine)|The Ring]]'' magazine, ranked Hamed the 11th greatest British boxer of all time, and Gareth A. Davies of ''[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]'' ranked him 10th.<ref name="Davies">{{cite news |last1=Davies |first1=Gareth A. |title=The UK's top 10 greatest ever boxers |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/boxing/2016/11/09/the-uks-top-10-greatest-ever-boxers/ |date=9 November 2016|access-date=28 May 2019 |work=The Telegraph}}</ref> ''The Ring'' also ranked Hamed the 46th greatest puncher of all time.<ref name="Rafael">{{cite news |last1=Rafael |first1=Dan |title=Hamed deserves HOF election |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/11753885/prince-naseem-hamed-deserves-hof-election |access-date=28 May 2019 |agency=ESPN |date=24 October 2014}}</ref>


Revision as of 17:45, 10 April 2024

Naseem Hamed
Hamed in 1997
Born (1974-02-12) 12 February 1974 (age 50)[3]
Sheffield, England
Other names
  • Prince Naseem
  • Naz
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height5 ft 3 in (160 cm)[1][2]
Reach63 in (160 cm)[1]
StanceSouthpaw
Boxing record
Total fights37
Wins36
Wins by KO31
Losses1

Naseem Hamed (Arabic: نسيم حميد; born 12 February 1974), nicknamed Prince Naseem and Naz, is a British former professional boxer who competed from 1992 to 2002.[4] He held multiple featherweight world championships between 1995 and 2000, and reigned as lineal champion from 1998 to 2001. He also held the International Boxing Organization (IBO) featherweight title from 2002 to 2003, and the European bantamweight title from 1994 to 1995. In 2015, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. The Ring magazine retroactively awarded Hamed their featherweight title in 2019 to acknowledge his dominance of the division and the multiple champions he defeated; he is the only former world champion in any division thus far to receive this honour.[5]

Hamed was known for his unconventional boxing antics and spectacular ring entrances which included entering the ring on a flying carpet, a lift, and a palanquin, as well as re-enacting the video of Michael Jackson's Thriller, and wearing a Halloween mask. He was also known for his front somersault over the top rope into the ring, his highly athletic and hard-hitting southpaw boxing style, and formidable one-punch knockout power, having finished his career with a knockout-to-win ratio of 84%.[6][7] With his cocky persona and high-profile bouts he was a prominent figure in 1990s British pop culture, while Sean Ingle in The Guardian writes, "in his prime, Hamed was a global superstar".[8] A headliner on both sides of the Atlantic, Dan Rafael of ESPN writes, "one of the biggest stars in the sport, the guy sold out arenas before his opponent was even named."[9]

As of August 2023, BoxRec ranks Hamed as the 22nd greatest European pound-for-pound boxer of all time[10] and the 12th greatest British fighter of all time.[11] In 2016, ESPN ranked Hamed at number 22 on its list of the top 25 fighters, pound for pound, of the last 25 years.[12] World Boxing, a sister publication of The Ring magazine, ranked Hamed the 11th greatest British boxer of all time, and Gareth A. Davies of The Telegraph ranked him 10th.[13] The Ring also ranked Hamed the 46th greatest puncher of all time.[9]

Early life

Hamed was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, England to Yemeni parents, in 1974.[14] A protege of Brendan Ingle's Wincobank gym, his talent and flashy southpaw style marked him out from an early age.[14]

Professional career

Early years

Hamed started boxing professionally at flyweight in 1992. He soon began rising through the ranks as he knocked out a series of opponents in the opening rounds. At age 20, he won the European bantamweight title, comprehensively beating the beleaguered Vincenzo Belcastro over twelve rounds. After one defence he won the WBC International super bantamweight title in 1994, overwhelming Freddy Cruz in Sheffield, whom he severely punished and stopped in six rounds. Hamed's popularity grew, his unorthodox style winning a large fan base and his boxing antics generating a large group of detractors.[14] After signing for Frank Warren, Hamed, employing more spectacular entrances, knocked out better opposition in Enrique Angeles and Juan Polo Pérez, both within two rounds.

World featherweight champion

Hamed vs. Robinson

Later in 1995, after controversially being named the WBO #1 featherweight contender (despite never having boxed at that weight), Hamed moved up to face Wales' defending WBO champion Steve Robinson. After dominating the bout and scoring a knockdown in round 5, Hamed won the title when the referee stopped the fight in round 8 after Robinson was caught with a left hook that dropped him spectacularly. The fight was held in front of Robinson's home crowd at the rugby ground, Cardiff Arms Park, with rain pouring down on the fighters and the ring.[15] This was also the first bout where Hamed badly injured his hand, a problem that would continue for the rest of his career.

Hamed vs. Medina

Hamed's next defence was in Dublin against former two-time world featherweight title holder Manuel Medina. In an entertaining, tough contest for Hamed on the night, Medina won several rounds of the fight. After knocking Medina down heavily in round 2, Hamed struggled to finish the fight. Hamed eventually knocked Medina down another two times in the 9th round. Finally, at the end of round 11, Medina's corner withdrew him from the fight on the advice of the ringside doctor. Hamed revealed in his post-fight interview that he had fought with a heavy cold. Medina would go on to have many more tough title fights, remarkably winning versions of the featherweight world title another three times. Hamed's next opponent was the 27–0 Remigio Molina of Argentina, who was stopped in two rounds.

Hamed vs. Johnson

Hamed with the WBO featherweight title at a WWF event, 1997

In February 1997, Hamed defeated long-time IBF champion Tom "Boom Boom" Johnson in eight rounds in a unification bout at the London Arena. After being constantly stunned and staggered from round 3 onwards, Johnson was finally dropped by a huge uppercut, then saved from further punishment by the referee. Hamed's first defence of both the WBO & IBF titles was a first-round KO of veteran British boxer and European champion Billy Hardy. Before the bout Hamed had correctly predicted he would win in round 1. The next defence was an easy two-round win against a hugely outclassed Juan Gerardo Cabrera. Due to boxing politics involving the IBF's mandatory challenger, Hamed was soon forced to relinquish the IBF title.

Hamed vs. Badillo

In Hamed's hometown of Sheffield in October 1997, he produced one of the best performances of his career in defending his WBO title against Jose Badillo, whose corner entered the ring to stop the fight during round 7. Hamed's status as one of the biggest draws in the sport was evident with a stellar undercard that included Joe Calzaghe vs. Chris Eubank for the world super middleweight title.[16]

Hamed vs. Kelley

Main article: Naseem Hamed vs. Kevin Kelley

In late 1997 Hamed made his heavily hyped U.S. debut. His ceremonious arrival on the British Airways Concorde was covered by multiple media outlets. There, he and former WBC title holder Kevin Kelley fought in a highly entertaining bout at New York's Madison Square Garden. Prior to the fight, Kelley told Hamed, "I'm gonna smoke your boots". This fight marks something of a watershed in Hamed's career, as he was forced, for the first time, to abandon his hands-down style of fighting throughout the entire course of the bout, given the calibre of Kelley. Nonetheless, despite suffering three knockdowns himself, Hamed put Kelley down for a third and final time to win by a fourth-round knockout. This was his first of many fights on HBO.[17]

Other title defences

Main articles: Naseem Hamed vs. Wilfredo Vázquez, Naseem Hamed vs. Wayne McCullough, and Naseem Hamed vs. Paul Ingle

In 1998, Hamed enjoyed victories over former three-time WBA title holder and then-lineal champion Wilfredo Vazquez (TKO 7), former WBC bantamweight title holder Wayne McCullough (W 12), and future IBF title holder Paul Ingle (TKO 11; no relation to Hamed's then-former trainer Brendan Ingle).

Hamed vs. Soto

Main article: Naseem Hamed vs. César Soto

In October 1999 at Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, United States, Hamed defeated WBC featherweight champion Cesar Soto of Mexico over 12 rounds, adding the WBC title to his collection and unified the WBC & WBO titles. Hamed soon chose to relinquish his WBC title due to his commitment to being WBO champion.

Had Vazquez not been stripped by the WBA of his belt (the WBA did not want their featherweight title unified with the WBO), Hamed would have had the distinction of winning all four world titles in a division, something only Riddick Bowe had achieved by that point, at heavyweight.

Hamed vs. Bungu

Main article: Naseem Hamed vs. Vuyani Bungu

In March 2000 at Olympia, Kensington, London, Hamed knocked out former undefeated long-reigning IBF super bantamweight title holder, Vuyani Bungu of South Africa. The fight was ended with a single straight left hand, in one of Hamed's most impressive performances and biggest victories.

Hamed vs. Sanchez

Main article: Naseem Hamed vs. Augie Sanchez

Hamed fought in August 2000 against Augie Sanchez at Foxwoods Resort, Mashantucket, Connecticut, United States. Sanchez is known for being the last American to defeat Floyd Mayweather as an amateur boxer.[18]

Hamed successfully retained his WBO title for the fifteenth and final time against Sanchez via a devastating fourth-round knockout. Hamed broke his hand badly in the bout, and following surgery he spent half a year out of the gym, gaining 35 pounds in weight. Rather than face the unknown EBU Champion & WBO mandatory challenger István Kovács, Hamed relinquished his WBO title to pave the way for a Superfight with Marco Antonio Barrera.

Hamed vs. Barrera

Main article: Naseem Hamed vs. Marco Antonio Barrera

It is true Hamed looked awful that night. His body, drained from losing two stones in eight weeks, amateurishly tossing around like a marionette – head flying one way, legs flopping the other – as Barrera worked him over. But to judge Hamed on that performance is like judging Laurence Olivier on Inchon. Remember he defended the WBO world title 15 times and also held the WBC and IBF belts. His record of 36‑1, with 31 knockouts, stands with the very best.

—Sean Ingle in The Guardian on Hamed's record.[8]

Eight weeks prior to the fight, which took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on 7 April 2001, Marco Antonio Barrera prepared to fight. Barrera had moved up a weight division. At the end of training camp he was in the best shape of his life. According to Sky Sports, Barrera had "trained like a monk" in Big Bear, California, while Hamed trained in Bing Crosby's old house.[19] Emanuel Steward had arrived to oversee the last two weeks of Hamed's training, including sparring, and was worried immediately.[14] He had seen Barrera look razor sharp only a few months before in a stoppage win in Las Vegas, and watched Hamed not take his sparring with young Mexicans seriously.[14] The fight was also for the International Boxing Organization World featherweight title.

Barrera handed Naseem Hamed his first and only loss for the lineal featherweight championship by a twelve-round decision. Before the fight, Hamed was a 3 to 1 betting favourite in Las Vegas.[20] Hamed could not hit Barrera with his trademark lefts as Barrera circled to his left and worked both head and body. Barrera was not a fan of Hamed's antics and responded to Hamed's punches during clinches. On one occasion early in the fight, Hamed grabbed Barrera and they both fell to the ground where Barrera threw a right jab, leading to a warning from referee Joe Cortez. In the 12th and final round Barrera trapped Hamed in a full-nelson and forced his head into the turnbuckle, resulting in a point deducted by referee Joe Cortez. Ultimately, Barrera threw more, harder punches and more impressive combinations than Hamed throughout the course of the fight. Barrera was awarded the victory via a unanimous decision, with the scorecards reading 115–112, 115–112, 116–111 and won the lineal and IBO featherweight titles.[21] The fight drew 310,000 pay-per-view buys on HBO.[22] It was the highest-grossing featherweight bout ever in the United States.[23]

Final fight vs. Calvo

Main article: Naseem Hamed vs. Manuel Calvo

On 18 May 2002 at London Arena, Docklands, London, Hamed returned to the ring for what turned out to be his final boxing match, against the European champion Manuel Calvo (33 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw) for the IBO World featherweight title.[24] Hamed was booed by the 10,000 fans as he won unconvincingly on points after 12 rounds looking sluggish and uninterested. The judges scored the fight 120-110 and 119-109 (twice).[25] In a post-fight interview with Ian Darke, Hamed assured a quick return to the ring, which ultimately never happened. Hamed was just 28 years old when he stopped fighting.[26] For years, Hamed did not confirm whether he had retired or not; there were talks of several fights in the UK and in the US, including Hamed's brother and manager, Riath, speaking to HBO about a potential fight with Michael Brodie.

In an interview for BBC Radio Sportsweek, Hamed said that his retirement was largely due to chronic problems with his hands, including multiple fractures as well as surgery.[27]

Personal life

Hamed is a Muslim, and frequently recited the Takbir out loud before his fights.[28] Sean Ingle writes, "he was a proud Muslim who appealed to large chunks of working-class Britain. His last fight was watched by 11 million people on ITV."[8]

In 1998, he married his girlfriend Eleasha Elphinstone, in Sheffield.[29][30]

By 1997, Hamed had an annual income of $14 million[31] (£8,548,914)[32] from fight purses and endorsements, ranking at number-22 on Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes for 1997.[31] By March 1999, his net worth was an estimated £38 million.[33] By January 2001, Hamed had reportedly amassed a fortune of £50 million[34] ($75,746,700).[35] He earned over $48.5 million from fight purses, including $8.5 million from his fight against Barrera.[36] Hamed was the second richest British boxer, after heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis in 2003.[37]

Hamed's two sons, Aadam and Sami, have been training to become professional boxers.[38]

Driving offences

On 31 March 2006 Hamed pleaded guilty at Sheffield Crown Court of dangerous driving in relation to a collision at Ringinglow Road in Sheffield on 2 May 2005, in which his McLaren-Mercedes SLR crossed a solid white line overtaking a Ford Mondeo and crashed head on into a Volkswagen Golf before hitting the Mondeo.[39] The Golf driver, Anthony Burgin, had fractures to "every major bone" and bruising to the brain; after multiple hospitalisations he was deemed unable ever to work again.[40] Burgin's wife was also injured; Hamed was unhurt.[41][17] On 12 May 2006 Hamed was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment and 4 years' disqualification from driving, after the court heard he had been trying to impress his passenger, businessman Asif Ayub.[41] The judge expressed astonishment that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency had refused "apparently on human rights grounds" to disclose Hamed's four previous speeding offences, including a one-year ban for driving a Porsche at 110 mph on the M1 in Derbyshire.[41]

Hamed left prison on 4 September 2006 after serving 16 weeks, and was placed under Home Detention Curfew for the remainder of his sentence, monitored by an electronic tag.[40] After a recommendation from the Honours Forfeiture Committee, he was stripped of his MBE on 12 December 2006.[42] At a jury trial in March 2008, Anthony Burgin was cleared of dangerous driving in relation to an incident on 19 April 2007 involving Hamed's wife Eleasha.[43]

Legacy

Hamed was only 21 when he became the world champion by beating Steve Robinson in September 1995; two days later, Oasis released their album (What's the Story) Morning Glory? I always thought there was a neat symmetry between the two events. For while Hamed rode sidecar to the Cool Britannia era rather than sitting in the driver's seat, his attitude was a snug fit for the times: cocky and swaggering, impervious to self-doubt.

—Sean Ingle in The Guardian on Hamed's prominence in 1990s UK pop culture.[8]

Hamed's boxing career was seen by many experts in the sport as one of massive potential. Frank Warren, the boxing promoter, once said of Hamed: "I think at one stage he was the most exciting fighter that I'd ever been involved with. At one stage, in the early part of his career, he could have gone on to become one of the great fighters. But that disappeared when he didn't fight as regularly as he should have done, when he was cutting corners on his training. It just didn't work out for him from that point on."[44]

Moreover, commentators have pointed out that Hamed's ability should have propelled him to achievements that would have given him legendary status, but that his noted dislike of the long hard training camps and long periods away from his family hindered this.[45]

As popular lower weight fighters like Oscar De La Hoya and Kostya Tszyu moved into the mid-weight classes and the Mexican champion Julio César Chávez declined, Hamed and Arturo Gatti filled the void. Hamed's boxing antics made him the new poster-boy for lighter-weight boxers and his charisma attracted a large number of fans. In 2002 the UK public voted Hamed's victory over Kevin Kelley on the list of the 100 Greatest Sporting Moments.[46]

British boxing pundit Steve Bunce stated on 15 March 2008 edition of BBC panel show Fighting Talk that Hamed was the greatest British boxer of all time. World Boxing, a sister publication of The Ring magazine, ranked Hamed the 11th greatest British boxer of all time, while Gareth A. Davies, boxing correspondent of The Telegraph ranked him 10th.[13] The Ring also ranked Hamed the 46th greatest puncher of all time.[9]

Hamed was part of the 2015 class for the International Boxing Hall of Fame.[47] In 2016, ESPN ranked Hamed at number 22 on its list of the top 25 pound-for-pound fighters of the last 25 years.[12]

Cultural impact

Of Yemeni descent, Hamed featured in a 1995 Yemen postage stamp

Hamed is considered one of the most successful and influential British fighters. UK sports commentator Steve Bunce called him the "most influential fighter of my 35 years in the British boxing business". According to boxing trainer Emanuel Steward, Hamed "opened the door" for British fighters as well as for boxers from lower weight divisions to earn significant prize money; his earnings were unprecedented for a featherweight. According to his boxing trainer nephew SugarHill Steward, Hamed's "flair and skill and confidence" inspired "a generation" and "gave fighters over here a massive opportunity, the confidence to crack the American market." HBO executive Lou DiBella compared his impact to that of Muhammad Ali, arguing that Hamed "changed boxing" and "redefined the fighter as a showman and an entertainer".[48]

He was a source of inspiration for a number of world champions in boxing and MMA, including Tyson Fury,[48] Oleksandr Usyk,[49] Conor McGregor,[50] Israel Adesanya,[51] Floyd Mayweather,[52] Manny Pacquiao,[53] Nonito Donaire,[54] David Benavidez,[55] Billy Joe Saunders,[56] Amir Khan,[57] Carl Froch,[58] and David Haye.[59] He also inspired a number of boxing trainers who have gone on to train world champions, including SugarHill Steward and Ben Davison.[60][61]

Hamed was referenced by hip-hop artist Nas in the song "You Won't See Me Tonight", with the lyrics "I can't forget how I met you, you thought I was a boxer/ Prince Naseem, but I'm a mobster, Nas from Queens". Hamed himself recorded a song with hip hop group Kaliphz called "Walk Like a Champion", which reached number 23 in the UK Singles Chart in 1996.[62]

Hamed had a licensed sports fighting game, Prince Naseem Boxing, published by Codemasters for the PlayStation console in 2000.[63] A portable version of the game was also released for the Game Boy Color, developed by Virtucraft, which later in 2002 developed a Mike Tyson based follow-up, Mike Tyson Boxing, for the Game Boy Advance.[64]

Hamed also inspired a character called Prince Naseem in Squaresoft's fighting game Ehrgeiz, released in 1998. While called "Prince Naseem" in the original Japanese version, the character's name was changed to "Prince Doza" in the Western versions.[65]

In the Japanese manga series Hajime no Ippo, the fictional American boxing champion Bryan Hawk is based on Naseem Hamed.[66]

In the Japanese manga series Batuque, the fictional character Shyun Amamiya is a fan of Naseem Hamed and takes inspiration from his fighting style.

In the Tamil movie Sarpatta Parambarai (2021), the boxing style of fictional character Dancing Rose, played by Shabeer Kallarakkal, is based on Naseem Hamed.[67]

A film based on Hamed and his relationship with trainer Brendan Ingle was announced in 2023. It will be directed by Rowan Athale, with Sylvester Stallone as an executive producer. Mena Massoud and Paddy Considine will star in the film.[68]

Professional boxing record

37 fights 36 wins 1 loss
By knockout 31 0
By decision 5 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
37 Win 36–1 Manuel Calvo UD 12 18 May 2002 London Arena, London, England Won vacant IBO featherweight title
36 Loss 35–1 Marco Antonio Barrera UD 12 7 Apr 2001 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, US For vacant IBO featherweight title
35 Win 35–0 Augie Sanchez TKO 4 (12), 2:34 19 Aug 2000 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, US Retained WBO featherweight title
34 Win 34–0 Vuyani Bungu TKO 4 (12), 1:38 11 Mar 2000 London Olympia, London, England Retained WBO featherweight title
33 Win 33–0 César Soto UD 12 22 Oct 1999 Joe Louis Arena, Detroit, Michigan, US Retained WBO featherweight title;
Won WBC featherweight title
32 Win 32–0 Paul Ingle TKO 11 (12), 0:45 10 Apr 1999 MEN Arena, Manchester, England Retained WBO featherweight title
31 Win 31–0 Wayne McCullough UD 12 31 Oct 1998 Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US Retained WBO featherweight title
30 Win 30–0 Wilfredo Vázquez TKO 7 (12), 2:29 18 Apr 1998 NYNEX Arena, Manchester, England Retained WBO featherweight title
29 Win 29–0 Kevin Kelley KO 4 (12), 2:27 19 Dec 1997 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, US Retained WBO featherweight title
28 Win 28–0 Jose Badillo TKO 7 (12), 1:37 11 Oct 1997 Sheffield Arena, Sheffield, England Retained WBO featherweight title
27 Win 27–0 Juan Gerardo Cabrera TKO 2 (12), 2:17 19 Jul 1997 Wembley Arena, London, England Retained IBF and WBO featherweight titles
26 Win 26–0 Billy Hardy TKO 1 (12), 1:33 3 May 1997 NYNEX Arena, Manchester, England Retained IBF and WBO featherweight titles
25 Win 25–0 Tom Johnson TKO 8 (12), 2:27 8 Feb 1997 London Arena, London, England Retained WBO featherweight title;
Won IBF featherweight title
24 Win 24–0 Remigio Molina TKO 2 (12) 9 Nov 1996 NYNEX Arena, Manchester, England Retained WBO featherweight title
23 Win 23–0 Manuel Medina RTD 11 (12), 3:00 31 Aug 1996 Point Theatre, Dublin, Ireland Retained WBO featherweight title
22 Win 22–0 Daniel Alicea TKO 2 (12), 2:46 8 Jun 1996 Telewest Arena, Newcastle, England Retained WBO featherweight title
21 Win 21–0 Said Lawal KO 1 (12), 0:35 16 Mar 1996 Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow, Scotland Retained WBO featherweight title
20 Win 20–0 Steve Robinson TKO 8 (12), 1:40 30 Sep 1995 Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff, Wales Won WBO featherweight title
19 Win 19–0 Juan Polo Perez KO 2 (12), 2:00 1 Jul 1995 Royal Albert Hall, London, England Retained WBC International super-bantamweight title
18 Win 18–0 Enrique Angeles KO 2 (12) 6 May 1995 Royal Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, England Retained WBC International super-bantamweight title
17 Win 17–0 Sergio Rafael Liendo KO 2 (12), 1:06 4 Mar 1995 Forum, Livingston, Scotland Retained WBC International super-bantamweight title
16 Win 16–0 Armando Castro KO 4 (12), 2:11 21 Jan 1995 Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow, Scotland Retained WBC International super-bantamweight title
15 Win 15–0 Laureano Ramírez TKO 3 (12), 2:40 19 Nov 1994 National Ice Rink, Cardiff, Wales Retained WBC International super-bantamweight title
14 Win 14–0 Freddy Cruz TKO 6 (12), 2:03 12 Oct 1994 Ponds Forge, Sheffield, England Won vacant WBC International super-bantamweight title
13 Win 13–0 Antonio Picardi TKO 3 (12), 1:26 17 Aug 1994 Hillsborough Leisure Centre, Sheffield, England Retained European bantamweight title
12 Win 12–0 Vincenzo Belcastro UD 12 11 May 1994 Ponds Forge, Sheffield, England Won European bantamweight title
11 Win 11–0 John Miceli KO 1 (10), 2:50 9 Apr 1994 Leisure Centre, Mansfield, England
10 Win 10–0 Peter Buckley TKO 4 (8), 1:47 29 Jan 1994 National Ice Rink, Cardiff, Wales
9 Win 9–0 Chris Clarkson KO 2 (8), 1:50 24 Sep 1993 National Basketball Arena, Dublin, Ireland
8 Win 8–0 Kevin Jenkins TKO 3 (6), 1:58 26 May 1993 Leisure Centre, Mansfield, England, England
7 Win 7–0 Alan Ley KO 2 (6) 24 Feb 1993 Wembley Conference Centre, London, England
6 Win 6–0 Peter Buckley PTS 6 12 Nov 1992 Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool, England
5 Win 5–0 Des Gargano KO 4 (6) 7 Oct 1992 Crowtree Leisure Centre, Sunderland, England
4 Win 4–0 Miguel Matthews TKO 3 (6), 1:05 14 Jul 1992 Grosvenor House Hotel, London, England
3 Win 3–0 Andrew Bloomer TKO 2 (6), 0:46 23 May 1992 National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, England
2 Win 2–0 Shaun Norman KO 2 (6), 0:55 25 Apr 1992 G-Mex Centre, Manchester, England
1 Win 1–0 Ricky Beard KO 2 (6), 2:36 14 Feb 1992 Leisure Centre, Mansfield, England

Television viewership

Date Fight Network Country Viewers Source(s)
21 January 1995 Naseem Hamed vs. Armando Castro ITV United Kingdom 6,400,000 [69]
4 March 1995 Naseem Hamed vs. Sergio Rafael Liendo ITV United Kingdom 13,000,000 [70]
19 July 1997 Naseem Hamed vs. Juan Gerardo Cabrera Sky Sports United Kingdom 831,000 [71]
19 December 1997 Naseem Hamed vs. Kevin Kelley HBO United States 2,525,000 [72]
2 May 1998 Naseem Hamed vs. Wilfredo Vázquez HBO United States 2,550,000 [73][74]
31 October 1998 Naseem Hamed vs. Wayne McCullough HBO United States 3,200,000 [73][75]
18 May 2002 Naseem Hamed vs. Manuel Calvo Sky Sports United Kingdom 11,000,000 [48]
Total known viewership United Kingdom & United States 41,604,000

Pay-per-view bouts

Naseem Hamed held the pay-per-view record in the United Kingdom up until he was surpassed by Lennox Lewis vs. Mike Tyson in 2002.[a]

Date Fight Billing Network Country Buys Revenue (est.) Revenue (inflation) (est.)
9 November 1996 Naseem Hamed vs. Remigio Molina Judgement Night[76] Sky Box Office United Kingdom 420,000[76][77] £25,000,000[76] ($40,940,875)[32] £59,000,000 ($80,000,000)
8 February 1997 Naseem Hamed vs. Tom Johnson Night of Champions[78] Sky Box Office United Kingdom 720,000[77] £10,764,000[79] ($17,627,503)[32] £25,000,000 ($33,000,000)
3 May 1997 Naseem Hamed vs. Billy Hardy Brit Pack[80] Sky Box Office United Kingdom 348,000[77] £5,202,600[79] ($8,519,960)[32] £12,000,000 ($16,000,000)
19 August 2000 Naseem Hamed vs. Augie Sanchez Hamed vs. Sanchez[81] Sky Box Office United Kingdom 300,000[82] £4,485,000[79] ($6,795,455)[83] £10,000,000 ($12,000,000)
7 April 2001 Naseem Hamed vs. Marco Antonio Barrera Playing With Fire[84] HBO United States 310,000[22] $12,090,000[85] (£8,395,314)[86] $21,000,000 (£18,000,000)
Total known sales 2,098,000 £57,541,600 ($82,279,107) £94,000,000 ($127,000,000)

See also

Notes

  1. ^ See Pay-per-view § United Kingdom.

References

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Naseem Hamed.
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Preceded by
Vincenzo Belcastro
 European bantamweight champion
11 May 1994 – April 1995
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Johnny Armour
Vacant
Title last held by
Sergio Rafael Liendo 		WBC International
super-bantamweight champion
12 October 1994 – December 1995
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Alfred Kotey
Minor world boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Marco Antonio Barrera 		IBO featherweight champion
18 May 2002 – June 2003
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Michael Brodie
Major world boxing titles
Preceded by WBO featherweight champion
30 September 1995 – 5 October 2000
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
István Kovács
Preceded by IBF featherweight champion
8 February 1997 – 29 August 1997
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Héctor Lizárraga
Preceded by WBC featherweight champion
22 October 1999 – 9 January 2000
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Guty Espadas Jr.
Honorary boxing titles
Retroactively awarded The Ring featherweight champion
15 June 2019 		Retroactively awarded
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