Former featherweight world champion Prince Naseem Hamed was known for his flashy knockouts in the ring, but a curious incident in a London cake shop nearly a decade ago showed he could also bring things to a standstill outside of it.
The Notting Hill Cake Shop Incident
Reports from the time reveal that Hamed, the Sheffield-born boxing icon, caused a significant delay in an upmarket cake shop on Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill, west London. The hold-up occurred as he meticulously inquired about the contents of almost every dessert on display in the window.
While many customers could sympathise with taking time to choose, the queue's patience was further tested when, after all his questions, Hamed purchased just a single cupcake. The 51-year-old was later spotted leaving the shop with his wife, Eleasha, sharing a couple of passionate kisses before they departed in separate vehicles.
From Ring Royalty to Retirement and Regret
Hamed's career was nothing short of spectacular. He first walked into Brendan Ingle’s famed Wincobank gym at seven years old, turning professional at 18. By 21, he made history by defeating Steve Robinson to become Britain's youngest ever world champion, claiming the WBO featherweight title.
His flamboyant style and powerful persona captivated fans, but his time at the top was cut short. Citing chronic hand problems, Hamed announced his retirement from boxing in 2002 at the age of 28, following a victory over Manuel Calvo. In retirement, his weight increased noticeably as he embraced a life of luxury, frequently showcasing an impressive collection of high-end cars.
However, this lavish lifestyle led to a tragic turn in 2005. Hamed was involved in a high-speed car collision in Sheffield that left another motorist, Anthony Burgin, with catastrophic injuries. Burgin suffered breaks to every major bone in his body and bruising to the brain.
A year later, Hamed pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was sentenced to 15 months in prison and a four-year driving ban. He served only 16 weeks before being released early.
Legacy Cemented in New Biopic 'Giant'
Hamed's remarkable and turbulent journey from a Sheffield gym to global stardom is now the subject of a major new film. Titled 'Giant', the biopic is released in UK cinemas today.
The film will chronicle his rapid rise under the tutelage of legendary trainer Brendan Ingle, a role played by former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan. It promises to explore the heights of his boxing fame, his charismatic public persona, and the challenges he faced outside the ring.
Despite keeping a lower profile in recent years, this new project ensures the story of 'Prince Naseem' – a figure of sheer talent, controversy, and unforgettable showmanship – remains firmly in the public eye.
