Prince Naseem Hamed: ‘I always thought they would put me in the Hall of Fame sooner or later’

A victorious “Prince” Naseem Hamed stands over Kevin Kelley during their four-round fight in December 1997. Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images.

Before his induction into boxing’s Hall of Fame, Prince Naz reflects on his career, retiring at the young age of 28, and the current state of the sport

Few British boxers have entertained inside and outside the ring like ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed. It has been 13 years since the Sheffield fighter thrilled us with his predictions and his ringwalks. From those bizarre magic carpet rides, to the rolling Chevrolet Impala entrances, to walking through a bizarre Halloween graveyard. And all followed by his backward summersaults into the ring.

Once there, that snake-like, electrifying movement, followed by the power to destroy and stop opponents with a single punch.

This weekend, and perhaps somewhat overdue, Hamed will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, in Canastota, New York State. He follows British boxers Jack ‘Kid’ Berg, Randy Turpin, Ken Buchanan, Barry McGuigan, Lennox Lewis and Joe Calzaghe to be honoured with the recognition. …

To read the entire story from Gareth A Davies, boxing correspondent for The London Telegraph, click here.