The Boxer
An explosive puncher, with great leg strength, he's probably
the most flamboyant and controversial fighter from the UK.
Proclaiming himself an 'all time great', he was an extrovert
showman. The entertainment created by his ring entrance and
fighting style should rank him as one of the most exciting
fighters of all time.
His ring entrances are still the most showbiz and over the
top in boxing history. His showy fighting style and play was
reminiscent of Muhammad Ali, but as a much smaller man, his
reflexes were naturally even quicker. His tremendous punching
power and reflexes tended to make many of his earlier bouts
walkovers. Some would claim him the greatest ever pound for
pound puncher.
With so much talent, it could be said he humiliated 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 verged on the arrogant. This was certainly the
opinion of many pundits when he won his first world title
at the age of 21, against Steve Robinson. Though Hamed has
said, his behaviour was mostly tongue in cheek, and underneath
it all, he had the greatest respect for his opponents.
Hamed was a fighter you either loved or loathed. However,
his extravagant and cocky demeanor made his fights compulsive
viewing, with the majority being sell outs. The only problem
was that some pundits thought he rarely fought the best. But,
as his supporters will highlight, the featherweight weight
division wasn't at it's strongest, he didn't duck any fights,
and fought all the other champions. Sadly, all the super stars
were at bantamweight.
He did eventually face an all time great fighter in Marco
Antonio Barrera. Before this bout he 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? I think boxing and
the UK public would love to see the flamboyant Prince back
to his best. 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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