I met him a few months ago and he was very nice and easy going. He’s clearly still got plenty of dough also. Huge now. It took me a second to realise it was him. When I went over to him he was sound as a pound right away.
I agree with most that he didn’t cement his greatness in the ring but he was an absolutely unique talent on his way up. Manny Steward said he was the hardest pound for pound puncher he’s known.
We'll never know. I didn't like the guy, but he was a phenomenal talent. The problem was that he had such remarkable skills, he eschewed some of the basics. When the time came to rely on the fundamentals, he was adrift.
Both Roy Jones and Muhammad Ali come to mind in this regard. Their speed was so remarkable that they were able to flout convention. When those gifts dissipated, Jones began to pick up losses. Ali started rope-a-doping and showing that another of his skills was absorbing monstrous beatings. Hamed left.
I suspect that Hamed would've followed the Jones model, but again, we'll never know.
I met him a few months ago and he was very nice and easy going. He’s clearly still got plenty of dough also. Huge now. It took me a second to realise it was him. When I went over to him he was sound as a pound right away.
I agree with most that he didn’t cement his greatness in the ring but he was an absolutely unique talent on his way up. Manny Steward said he was the hardest pound for pound puncher he’s known.
That's good the hear Wee Tommy
If I could work out how to post the photos I would. When I was talking to him he said, “know what would make my day mate? You letting me get a couple photos with ya”
Obviously kidding me but he got his manager dude to take the photos. Later on when I was in an Uber the driver told me he was from Yemen and I mentioned Naz, he told me he’s got a big mansion in Emirates Hills and is still a hero to the Yemeni folk.
Ezzard wrote: ↑14 Feb 2022, 10:11
Made some bad decisions in his career. Was not ready for MAB but would likely have lost even if his best version turned up on fight night.
One of the greatest punchers at the weight division. Shame he walked away so young.
