Makijs
08-11-2005, 22:33
Hamed offered six-fight contract
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/4406064.stm
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40982000/jpg/_40982298_naseem203.jpgHamed believes he can still win at the highest level
Naseem Hamed, Britain's former world featherweight champion, says he has been offered a six-fight contract by an American television network.
And the 31-year-old, who has not fought since May 2002, confirmed he is poised to make a comeback some time in 2006.
"If everything goes right in training, we're making plans for early-mid next year," Hamed told BBC Radio Sheffield. "There are no opponents as yet, we're just talking to TV. Then hopefully next year there'll be a nice, big fight."
Hamed became Britain's youngest world champion when he won the WBO featherweight title aged 21 years and seven months in 1995. He added the IBF crown when he beat Tom Johnson in London in 1997 and claimed the WBC title with a points win over Cesar Soto in Detroit in 1999.
His unbeaten run came to an end against Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera in 2001 and his last bout was a lacklustre points win over Spain's Manuel Calvo over three years ago. "I've been spending plenty of quality time with my two sons and my wife and parents, basically just chilling," added Hamed.
My confidence has never really gone... I'm raring to go after a good three-year lay-off
"I've been boxing since the age of seven and it got to a time where I just thought I could take a break, and that's what I did. I've really missed boxing because I've been doing it for a hell of a long time, and I consider myself not bad at it. But then again I think boxing has missed me and it's time to get back and do some stuff. My confidence has never really gone. I'm raring to go after a good three-year lay-off. I believe I can be even better. I'm stronger and more mature now. And I don't think it will be hard to find someone to promote me. They'll be knocking on the door once they've heard this interview, don't worry about that."
And Frank Maloney, manager of Glasgow's WBO featherweight champion Scott Harrison, refused to rule out a future fight between his man and the Sheffield boxer.
"If he's there and it's a fight that can be made, then obviously it's a fight the Harrison team would be interested in," Maloney told BBC Sport.
Maloney also said Hamed would struggle to get down to the nine stone limit he used to fight at.
"I know how hard Scott Harrison works to get the weight down and he fights regularly," said Maloney. "I'd be surprised if we saw Hamed coming in under lightweight."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/4406064.stm
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/40982000/jpg/_40982298_naseem203.jpgHamed believes he can still win at the highest level
Naseem Hamed, Britain's former world featherweight champion, says he has been offered a six-fight contract by an American television network.
And the 31-year-old, who has not fought since May 2002, confirmed he is poised to make a comeback some time in 2006.
"If everything goes right in training, we're making plans for early-mid next year," Hamed told BBC Radio Sheffield. "There are no opponents as yet, we're just talking to TV. Then hopefully next year there'll be a nice, big fight."
Hamed became Britain's youngest world champion when he won the WBO featherweight title aged 21 years and seven months in 1995. He added the IBF crown when he beat Tom Johnson in London in 1997 and claimed the WBC title with a points win over Cesar Soto in Detroit in 1999.
His unbeaten run came to an end against Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera in 2001 and his last bout was a lacklustre points win over Spain's Manuel Calvo over three years ago. "I've been spending plenty of quality time with my two sons and my wife and parents, basically just chilling," added Hamed.
My confidence has never really gone... I'm raring to go after a good three-year lay-off
"I've been boxing since the age of seven and it got to a time where I just thought I could take a break, and that's what I did. I've really missed boxing because I've been doing it for a hell of a long time, and I consider myself not bad at it. But then again I think boxing has missed me and it's time to get back and do some stuff. My confidence has never really gone. I'm raring to go after a good three-year lay-off. I believe I can be even better. I'm stronger and more mature now. And I don't think it will be hard to find someone to promote me. They'll be knocking on the door once they've heard this interview, don't worry about that."
And Frank Maloney, manager of Glasgow's WBO featherweight champion Scott Harrison, refused to rule out a future fight between his man and the Sheffield boxer.
"If he's there and it's a fight that can be made, then obviously it's a fight the Harrison team would be interested in," Maloney told BBC Sport.
Maloney also said Hamed would struggle to get down to the nine stone limit he used to fight at.
"I know how hard Scott Harrison works to get the weight down and he fights regularly," said Maloney. "I'd be surprised if we saw Hamed coming in under lightweight."