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Hamed, Prince Naseem

The Boxer

An explosive puncher, with great leg strength, Hamed is probably the most flamboyant and controversial fighter ever to fight out of the UK. Proclaiming himself an 'all time great', he was an extrovert showman, the entertainment created by Hamed's ring entrance and fighting style should rank him as one of the most exciting fighters of all time.

As stated, Hamed's ring entrances are still noted as the most showbiz and over the top in boxing history. His showy fighting style and demeanor were reminiscent of Muhammad Ali. Hamed's tremendous punching power and reflexes made many of his earliest bouts walkovers.

With so much talent, it could be said that Hamed humiliated many of his opponents, such was the overbearing power and speed he displayed. With his arms held low, chin exposed, rarely clinching, his attitude in the ring typically verged on the arrogant. This was certainly the opinion of many pundits. Hamed has claimed that his ring demeanor was tongue in cheek, and underneath all the bravado he had the utmost respect for his opponent.

Hamed was a fighter you either loved or loathed. His fights became compulsive viewing, with the majority being sell outs. The quality of Hamed's opponents has been questioned, as it's generally noted that the featherweight division was not at it's strongest when Hamed fought. Although Hamed did not duck any fights, all the super stars were at bantamweight.

Hamed did eventually face an all time great fighter, Marco Antonio Barrera. Before this bout Hamed had been floored three times by Kelly, undoubtable the best fighter he had yet fought. To get up three times showed Hamed had heart, but defensive abilities?. His defeat to Barrera was comprehensive, and his refusal of a rematch interesting. Hamed said great fighter come back, he never did.

Some believe his inconsistent later fights were due to over confidence, a lack of dedication to training, or that he simply peaked too early. Others, that he was fighting a different calibre of fighter. Fighters who were not overawed by his style, power and ring play. Hamed's invincible aura was certainly destroyed by Kelly and Barrera. As of writing, Hamed is still in his mid thirties, will he come back? He has left many feeling his promise was left unfulfilled.

Statistics

  • Born - 12 / 02 / 1974
  • Weight participated at - featherweight
  • Born - Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
  • Nationality - British
  • Stance - Southpaw
  • Reach - 64 inches
  • Height - 5 foot and 3 inches

Boxing Record

  • Total fights - 37
  • Losses - 1 = Barrera
  • Wins - 36
  • Wins by Knock Out - 31
  • Draws - 0
  • No contests - 0

Noted Bouts

Debut

  • Date - 14 / 04 / 1992
  • Against - Ricky Beard
  • Held - Mansfield, England
  • Result - Won
  • Round - Second, Knock Out

First world title

  • Date - 30 / 09 / 1995
  • Belt - WBO featherweight title
  • Against - Steve Robinson
  • Held - Cardiff, Wales
  • Result - Won
  • Round - Eighth, Technical Knock Out

First Defeat

  • Date - 07 / 04 / 2001
  • Belt - IBO featherweight title
  • Against - Marco Antonio Barrera
  • Held - Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Result - Lost
  • Round - Twelve, Unanimous Decision

Recent News Headlines

  • August 2008 - Prince acknowledges Kell Brook, the 34 year old is still promising a return to boxing in England.
  • May 2006 - Naseem sentenced to fifteen months in jail, after a high speed car crash left a man seriously injured.
  • May 1999 - Hamed awarded an MBE at Buckingham Palace, for his contribution to boxing and sport.

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