Boxing icon Prince Naseem Hamed and Hollywood star Pierce Brosnan brought a touch of ring-side antics to a London red carpet this week, playfully wrestling ahead of the UK gala screening of the new biopic Giant.
A Playful Red Carpet Sparring Session
The event, held at Picturehouse Central on Wednesday, saw the 51-year-old former world champion in high spirits as he celebrated the film chronicling his rise to fame. Brosnan, who portrays Naz's legendary trainer Brendan Ingle in the movie, joined in the fun, the pair engaging in a mock tussle that delighted onlookers.
For the star-studded evening, Prince Naseem opted for a distinctive layered look, wearing a navy blue robe under a fur-trimmed winter coat. He completed the outfit with a long, knitted grey scarf and black trainers. Brosnan, shielding from the chill, layered a black turtleneck jumper under a classic black suit.
The Story Behind 'Giant'
The film, produced by Sylvester Stallone and written and directed by Rowan Athale, tells the compelling true-life story of the British-Yemeni boxer. It follows his rags-to-riches ascent from the tough working-class streets of Sheffield to becoming a world champion under the guidance of Irish-born trainer Brendan Ingle.
Their unlikely partnership, combined with Naz's unorthodox style, cocky persona, and sheer dominance, propelled them to the top of boxing in the face of the racism prevalent in 1980s and 1990s Britain. Prince Naseem became Britain's youngest world champion in 1995 at just 21, finishing his professional career with 36 wins from 37 fights.
A Legacy of Flamboyance and Skill
Renowned for his spectacular ring entrances, Naz famously arrived by flying carpet, car, and palanquin, and even re-enacted Michael Jackson's Thriller video. Despite standing at only 5ft 4in, his lightning-speed fighting style and showmanship made him a global star.
The film's cast includes Amir El-Masry as the young Prince Naseem Hamed. Following his retirement and a serious car accident in 2006 for which he served a prison sentence, Hamed now oversees a management company with offices in London and Los Angeles.
Giant is scheduled for release in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on January 9.
