Naseem offered return to spotlight

NASEEM Hamed has been invited to a benefit dinner for a former opponent who suffered serious brain injury while defending his IBF world title at Sheffield Arena nearly seven years ago.

Paul Ingle, a one time featherweight, will be honoured at the event in his home town of Scarborough on November 2.

The fighter had to endure life-saving surgery; after his bout with South African Mbulelo Botile.

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Ingle was knocked to the canvas by Botile in round 12 and remained there before being removed on a stretcher.

A blood clot was later removed from his brain and surgeons had to insert metal plates.

His supporters say the 35-year-old still has "ongoing problems" which affect "his quality of life and personal well being".

He has been unable to work and needs the care of others.

The charity evening will be attended by a host of boxing champions past and present, including Nigel Benn, Steve Collins, Billy Hardy, Henry Wharton and Jon Thaxton.

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Naz - who has been out of the public eye since coming out of prison 12 months ago after serving 16 weeks of a 15-month term for dangerous driving. - has been asked to make a rare appearance.

It is not known whether he has accepted.

Naz beat Ingle with an 11th-round knockout in Manchester a year before Ingle's injury, in a WBO featherweight title contest.

Two years later, in 2001, Naz's career was also effectively over when he lost to Marco Antonio Barrera.

For information on the event ring Ian Stokes or Lesley Watling on 01992 451332 or email [email protected]

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Hillsborough prospect Kell Brook has been denied a chance to take the English welterweight title off John O'Donnell. A planned bout with the Croydon champ went out to purse bids, but O'Donnell pulled out.

Brook will now wait for another opponent for the vacant title.

n Glyn Rhodes stages a boxing show at Don Valley Stadium tomorrow. (2pm)