Former world champion Prince Naseem Hamed has publicly voiced his approval for contemporary fighters who enter the boxing arena through unconventional routes, specifically mentioning social media influencer Jake Paul. The Sheffield-born boxing icon, often referred to as "Naz," emphasised that he harbours no resentment towards individuals capitalising on the sport's financial opportunities, regardless of their background.
Modern Pathways to Boxing Success
During a candid appearance on Jake Humphrey's High Performance podcast, Hamed elaborated on his perspective regarding the rising trend of influencers participating in professionally sanctioned boxing matches. He articulated a pragmatic view, framing boxing as fundamentally a numbers-driven enterprise where name recognition and audience reach can translate into substantial earnings.
"I don't mind people making money through the sport of boxing," Hamed stated. "If they can train and they come from a YouTube background or any background or they've got a name, it's a numbers game." This commentary underscores a significant shift in how fighters can build careers and monetise their profiles in the digital age.
Jake Paul's High-Profile Venture
The discussion notably referenced Jake Paul, the YouTube star turned professional boxer, who recently faced British heavyweight Anthony Joshua. Their bout at Miami's Kaseya Center last month saw Paul stopped in the sixth round, yet the event garnered massive attention. Beyond fighting, Paul co-founded Most Valuable Promotions in 2021, an enterprise dedicated to attracting younger, contemporary audiences to boxing, thereby expanding the sport's fanbase.
Hamed, now 51, further highlighted the evolving media landscape for boxing, remarking, "These fighters are getting put on Netflix and I am happy for them." This observation points to how streaming platforms and new media are creating fresh revenue streams and visibility for athletes outside traditional broadcast channels.
Hamed's Legacy and Cinematic Portrayal
Prince Naseem Hamed retired from professional boxing in 2002, boasting an impressive record of 36 wins with 31 knockouts, his sole defeat coming against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera. His achievements, including holding four world championship belts, earned him induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.
Currently, his life and career are being showcased in the biographical film Giant, which depicts his flamboyant showmanship, unorthodox fighting style, and well-documented complexities with his late trainer Brendan Ingle, portrayed by actor Pierce Brosnan. Hamed clarified that he had no creative involvement in the film's production, allowing an independent narrative of his storied career.
This stance from a revered figure like Hamed signals a broader acceptance within boxing's establishment of non-traditional entrants, provided they demonstrate dedication and draw public interest. It reflects an industry adapting to modern entertainment dynamics while celebrating its storied past.
