Before his over the top, 1997 debut in the States, a brash Naseem Hamed had to first prove to his own UK homeland that he was not a hype job.
The self-styled Prince made that point in his first title shot when he challenged veteran Steve Robinson for his WBO featherweight strap.
Before Robinson’s shocked hometown fans in Cardiff, Wales, Hamed toyed with him, dominating Robinson on the backfoot and moving forward with huge, single power shots. Hamed’s superb footwork and reflexes were on display as he kept Robinson on the end of his lethal left hand, and was easily able to slip any offensive attempts. Hamed showed no mercy on Robinson, demoralizing him with verbal and showmanship taunts before the referee stopped the bout in the 8th.
Robinson never again challenged for a world title after this demoralizing loss, and went 11-7-1 before retiring in 2002 with a record of 32-17-2.
Hamed went on to become an international star, finally making a highly-anticipated U.S. debut in a 1997, four round shootout with Kevin Kelly. He would make a total of 15 title defenses and establish linear recognition by also winning the IBF and WBC titles.
Unfortunately as Hamed’s star rose, his in-ring skills took a steep decline. Splitting with longtime trainer Brendan Ingle, Hamed’s reflexes, footwork and punch accuracy dulled. By the late 90’s he had become a reckless, chin in the air fighter who routinely began to suffer balance knockdowns due to his unorthodox style.
These infractions came to a head in 2001, when he was soundly beaten in the biggest fight of his career against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera. After the clear points defeat, Hamed lost his will to compete at the elite level. He fought once more in 2002, winning a lackluster decision before abruptly retiring with a record of 36-1, 30 KOs.
Today, fans can only speculate what could have been if the Prince would have remained the focused, improving version that was on display that ’95 September night against Steve Robinson.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 
Naz was great back in the day, I used to love watching Him as kid… Absolute genius… But that battering against Barrera (who was at his prime) just took his heart… Shame, if He didnt lose all his confidence and mojo in that fight He coulda become one of the GOAT
I really though the Barrera loss would be his wake-up call. The fact that he just left was so disappointing. But I think his biggest contribution is bringing attention to the smaller guys.
I woke up from 2001 and this is a new world for me. after reconnecting with the world and found out Naz stop boxing since the time I lost my memory is a real shock to me. Naz will always be the boxer I’ll pay to watch.