A new biopic chronicling the life of former world boxing champion Prince Naseem Hamed is released in UK cinemas today, reigniting public interest in the fighter’s rise to fame and controversial personal history.
Titled Giant, the film charts Hamed’s journey from a Sheffield childhood to global stardom, with James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan portraying his long-time trainer Brendan Ingle. Hamed, now 51, was introduced to boxing at the age of seven at Ingle’s Wincobank gym, later turning professional at 18 and winning the WBO featherweight title in 1995.
Known for his flamboyant ring entrances and knockout power, Hamed retired in 2002 with a professional record of 36 wins and one defeat, his only loss coming against Marco Antonio Barrera in 2001.
The film’s release also recalls a darker chapter in the boxer’s life. In 2005, Hamed caused a near-fatal crash in Sheffield while driving at high speed, leaving another driver with life-changing injuries. He was sentenced to 15 months in prison for dangerous driving but was released after serving just 16 weeks.
Hamed was freed from Moorland open prison near Doncaster in February 2007. Speaking briefly to reporters at the time, he said the experience had been «hard» and added:
«At least no-one died.»
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may be preparing to flee the country as nationwide protests demanding regime change continue to escalate.
