Prince Naseem Hamed: Naz admits ‘cocky’ arms-down fighting style was because he could not see with gloves up
Sheffield champion boxer Prince Naz admitted on air how his trademark ‘cocky’ fighting style came about because he couldn’t see over his gloves.
The former world featherweight no.1 made a name for himself in his 20s for fighting with his hands by his waist and winking at his opponents.
But ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed admitted in a talk with Chris Moyles on Radio X yesterday (January 9) the true reason behind the unorthodox style.
It seems it was only partly showmanship - the real reason was he couldn’t see when his gloves were up.
Naz shared the method behind the madness while admitting his one tip for young boxers was to not do as he does and to keep their hands up.
“If you haven't got that confidence, don't put your hands down at your waist and keep your hands at your waist,” he said.
“If you haven't got that true confidence of being able to stand right in front of a man that wants to rip your head off, keep your hands up.”
When asked why he never followed his own advice, Naz said: “It was blocking my eyesight, blocking my vision. I didn’t like that. So, I didn’t want to do that.”
Host Christ Moyle replied: “Don't tell me that the whole thing of how cocky you were in the ring was actually because it's like, ‘Actually, I can't see, I’ll put my hands down. Oh, there he is.’”
“Yeah,” said Naseem. “I’ve never told that story before.”
It comes as a new sports biopic, ‘Giant,’ hits cinemas today (January 9) charting Naz’s incredible rags to riches story, from a bullied Wincobank schoolboy to worldwide stardom, hits cinemas today.
Produced by Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone, the film stars Amir El-Masry (The Night Manager, Limbo, The Crown, SAS: Rogue Heroes) in the leading role, with Pierce Brosnan as Naz’s coach and early days mentor Brendan Ingle.
Tune into The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X weekdays from 6:30am – 10am and on Global Player