Naseem Hamed has inspired countless fighters coming up off the back of his world-title winning campaign, but there were men before him who he looked up to himself.
‘Prince’ Naseem took the sport by storm during the decade between 1992 and 2002, dominating the featherweight division and only suffering defeat in his penultimate contest against Marco Antonio Barrera. He retired one year later after beating Manuel Calvo in London, adding that name to a list of triumphs which also included Steve Robinson, Kevin Kelley and Tom Johnson.
Speaking at this year’s British Boxing Board of Control Southern Area Awards, where he was a guest of honour, Hamed took to the stage to celebrate those in attendance, praising Herol Graham in particular.
“Can I just say, I just want to big up Herol ‘Bomber’ Graham. My biggest inspiration in boxing is stood up. Herol was everything to me. He’s one of the best fighters this country has ever had. I love him, I go and see him, and I’m so proud that he’s sat beside me tonight.”
The ceremony — streamed live from the Leonardo Royal London City via official media partner Seconds Out — saw Hamed, Graham, George Groves, Colin McMillan and more former champions in attendance, with the likes of Moses Itauma and Ellie Scotney representing the new school.
Graham, trained by Brendan Ingle, challenged for world honours on three occasions, falling short each time and thus being remembered as one of the greatest British fighters to not reach that end goal. For nine years and 38 fights, ‘Bomber’ remained undefeated before losing his European Middleweight title to Sumbu Kalambay 1987.
His notable wins include Jimmy Price, Ayub Kalule and Vinny Pazienza. Graham also took future Hall of Famer, Mike McCallum, the distance in 1989, though ultimately lost a split decision. He has battled with his mental health since retiring, though seems in a good place today — and there was perhaps no better surroundings for the fighting legend than amongst his peers and admirers this weekend in London.
