Naseem Hamed

Naseem Hamed, also known as Prince Naseem and Naz, is a British former professional boxer from Sheffield, England.

Naseem Hamed, also known as Prince Naseem and Naz, is a British former professional boxer from Sheffield, England. He competed from 1992 to 2002 and became a world champion at featherweight, winning multiple major belts and becoming one of the sport’s most recognisable figures.

Early life and amateur career

Hamed was born in Sheffield, England, on 12 February 1974 to a family of Yemeni background. He started boxing at a young age before turning professional in 1992.

Professional career

Hamed made his professional debut in 1992 and quickly rose through the ranks. He won the European bantamweight title early in his career and later captured world featherweight championships from the WBO, IBF, WBC, and IBO. He finished his career with 36 wins and 1 loss, with 31 victories coming by knockout.

Style and public image

Hamed became known for his unorthodox southpaw style, knockout power, and theatrical ring entrances. His flamboyant personality and outspoken public persona made him one of boxing’s most visible stars in the late 1990s.

Later career and retirement

Hamed’s career slowed after his loss to Marco Antonio Barrera. He retired after a short return to the ring in 2002, with a final record of 36–1 and 31 knockouts. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014.