This chance has come earlier than expected for Hamed. There is a fair crowd and all the London boxing writers have made the journey north. In only his 12th pro fight, 'Prince' Naseem Hamed, 20, is challenging Vincenzo Belcastro of Italy for the European bantamweight title. The Ponds Forge Arena, Sheffield, one night in May 1994.
Acclaimed author Jonathan Rendall, who knows the fighter well, travelled to Sheffield where the star's family and former friends told of his struggles, the influence of religion and of his brothers - and why he may never box again Today he is a near recluse who trains alone in his gym and dedicates himself to Islam. A showman, supreme egoist and crowd-puller, he earned millions - then, in 2001, he lost his first fight. Naseem Hamed was the undisputed star of British boxing. Anyway - those who have never read it before, enjoy. I think in many ways Naz's career path and arc is quite similar to Mike Tyson. Probably the single best piece ever written on Naz, and it explains a lot.
