British/Yemeni · Sheffield, England · Born 12 February 1974Naseem Hamed is a British boxer of Yemeni heritage who dominated the featherweight division through the late 1990s.
Naseem Hamed was born on 12 February 1974 in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, to Yemeni parents, in a shop owned by his father, and grew up with eight siblings. He became a protégé of renowned trainer Brendan Ingle at the famous Wincobank gym, developing a flashy, unorthodox southpaw style that marked him out from an early age. Hamed, known as "Prince Naseem" or simply "Naz," turned professional in 1992 and became one of the most spectacular and entertaining fighters of the 1990s, renowned for his theatrical ring entrances, hands-down showboating style, and devastating one-punch knockout power despite standing just 5 feet 4 inches tall. Hamed won multiple featherweight world titles between 1995 and 2000, reigning as lineal champion, and became one of the biggest pay-per-view attractions in British boxing history, drawing comparisons to Muhammad Ali for his flamboyant showmanship inside and outside the ring. Hamed suffered the only defeat of his career in 2001, losing a decision to Mexican technician Marco Antonio Barrera in a fight that exposed the limitations of his unorthodox, defensively loose style against elite opposition. He retired in 2002 with a professional record of 36 wins and one loss, and remains one of the most influential and entertaining British fighters of his generation.
Flamboyant featherweight champion known for elaborate ring entrances
His ring entrances — involving elaborate costumes, music and vaulting over the ropes — cost more to produce than the prize money in some of his early fights.
Did You Know?How They Played
Unorthodox southpaw with exceptional hand speed and knockout power
Lasting Impact
One of Britain's most exciting featherweight champions with incredible knockout power
Career Honours
- International Boxing Hall of Fame 2015
British/Yemeni Athletes