Former world champion boxer Prince Naseem Hamed has delivered a scathing assessment of a new cinematic portrayal of his life, labelling the movie as largely fictional and revealing he had no input into its production.
Hamed's Blunt Verdict on the Big Screen Portrayal
The film, titled 'Giant' and released in UK cinemas on 9 January 2026, explores the Sheffield fighter's famed yet fractious relationship with his late trainer, Brendan Ingle. It charts Hamed's meteoric rise, which saw him become Britain's youngest-ever world champion in 1995 after defeating Steve Robinson in Cardiff, through to the bitter financial dispute that later soured their bond.
However, the man at the centre of the story has starkly dismissed the portrayal. "It's all scripted and - I won't say I hate to say it, because I don't - but 80-90 per cent of the film is just made up," Hamed stated. He expressed frustration at seeing a finished product about his own life in which he played no part, describing the experience as "not easy to watch."
Plans for a Counter-Narrative: The Truth is Coming
Having lived a relatively private life since his retirement from boxing in 2002, Hamed is now prepared to step back into the spotlight to set the record straight. He announced ambitious plans to tell his own story through a major documentary series, which he boldly suggested could rival the acclaimed 'The Last Dance' featuring basketball icon Michael Jordan.
"Watch what's coming," Hamed declared, "because I'm going to do a documentary series, God willing better than the Last Dance." He revealed that Hollywood star and boxing enthusiast Mark Wahlberg is "desperate" to be involved in the project.
This documentary is slated to be part of a broader comeback, including an autobiography, an audiobook, and potential British and world tours. "The time has passed where we had a break and stayed out of the media," Hamed said. "This has brought us back in and we're going to town again."
A Legacy Revisited and a Relationship Re-examined
The core of the 'Giant' film narrative focuses on the pivotal dynamic between the flamboyant fighter and his disciplined, straight-talking trainer. Their partnership forged a world champion, but its breakdown became a defining chapter in British boxing history. Hamed's vehement reaction to the film indicates the deep personal and historical sensitivities that remain.
While acknowledging the film had "some good moments and some bad moments," Hamed's overall verdict was brutal. He accused the directors and writers of creating an interpretation designed for interest rather than accuracy, concluding that much of the content was "far from the truth." For fans of the sport, the stage is now set for a duel of narratives: the cinematic version in theatres and the promised firsthand account from the prince of boxing himself.
