Born on February 12, 1974 in Sheffield, Yorkshire, UK. At age seven Hamed’s father brought him to Brendan Ingle’s gym to learn to box to defend himself.

Following an outstanding amateur career, the 5’ 4” Hamed turned pro in 1992. With mesmerizing hand speed and devastating knockout power, “The Prince” would become known for his flashy boxing style and thrilling ring entrances, including his trademark flip over the top rope. He captured the EBU bantamweight and WBC International super bantamweight titles in 1994 before winning the WBO featherweight strap from Steve Robinson (TKO 8) in 1995. An impressive string of 15 successful defenses followed including wins over Daniel Alicea (TKO 2), Manuel Medina (TKO 11), Wilfredo Vazquez (TKO 7), Wayne McCullough (W 12), Paul Ingle (TKO 11), Vuyani Bungu (TKO 4) and a stirring 4th round stoppage of Kevin Kelley in his Madison Square Garden debut. Hamed also defeated Tom Johnson (TKO 8) in 1997 for the IBF featherweight belt and Cesar Soto (W 12) in 1999 for the WBC title. In 2001 he lost a 12-round decision to Marco Antonio Barrera but rebounded to defeat Manuel Calvo over 12 rounds the next year. After a decade in the ring, “The Prince” retired after the Calvo victory with a pro ledger of 36-1 (31 KOs).

Behind dynamite punching power and flair for showmanship, the charismatic “Naz” is regarded as one of the most electrifying fighters of his era and credited with bringing attention to the lighter weight divisions.

Born: Feb. 12, 1974

Bouts: 37

Won: 36

Lost:  1

KOs: 31

Induction: 2015

Naseem Hamed

Back