First Impressions of Prince Naseem Hamed
The initial time I witnessed Prince Naseem Hamed train, my amazement could not have been greater; his agility was like a powerful uppercut delivering a jolt. Following his journey through televised fights was one thing, but seeing him live in September 1994, a year prior to his world championship, was a captivating and unforgettable experience.
A Boxing Phenomenon
Hamed’s punches were explosive, resembling firecrackers detonating as they struck the pads. His defensive skills made him nearly untouchable. Surprisingly, despite his 5ft 4in stature and weight of just nine stone, he intimidated and overpowered much larger sparring partners, including John Keeton, a future British cruiserweight champion, until our great uncle, Brendan Ingle, ended the session.
Brendan Ingle’s Prophesies
“Naz can box orthodox and southpaw,” Brendan often claimed, sharing his views with visitors at the St Thomas’ club in Sheffield. He foresaw Hamed winning titles across various weight categories, suggesting the only barrier to his success would be himself. There was some exaggeration, yet with each visit to the gym as a student, I grew more convinced about his potential for multi-division titles.
Exploring Relationships in Boxing
Current tensions are depicted in the new biopic, “Giant,” featuring Pierce Brosnan and Amir El-Masry, which chronicles Hamed’s journey from childhood under Brendan’s mentorship to their eventual falling out. It raises questions about the origins of talent: is it an innate gift or molded through experience?
Brendan’s Diverse Roles
Watching Brosnan portray my great uncle was surreal and strikingly accurate in mannerisms, though slightly different in portrayal. Brendan was more than a boxing trainer; he acted as a social worker, family figure, and philosopher. He often posed reflective questions, emphasizing life’s realities, with boxing serving as a transformative outlet for many troubled youths.
The Downfall of Their Relationship
Despite Brendan’s extensive experience, Hamed’s behavior and ambitions eventually led to their split, especially following Hamed’s explosive victory over Kevin Kelley in 1997. Their bond continued until Hamed’s fight with Wayne McCullough the following year. Since the film debuted, old tensions resurfaced, with Hamed voicing feelings about their relationship dynamics, arguing Brendan was too focused on financial gain.
Legacy and Reflection
While Hamed’s reputation has declined post-retirement, his career deserves more recognition. His defeat to Marco Antonio Barrera in 2001 has overshadowed his skills, with his underperformance attributed to lack of training discipline. Through reflecting on past encounters and viewing images from 1995, I see echoes of what was and what could have been both in their relationship and Hamed’s boxing career.
