By James Blears
Naseem Hamed has been away from the ring for more than three years.
Until recently he weighed more like a middleweight than a featherweight, and at 31 years of age, he isn’t a spring chicken any more, in boxing terms.
Since he left the bright lights, the Prince has not become a pauper. Shrewd investments with plenty of money earned over the years, have insured he should always be prosperous and never hungry.
And it all comes down to whether the desire, hunger and fire are still burning within his currently less than flat belly ?
His last fight- and it seems more than ages ago- against Manuel Calvo, was lack lustre to say the least. There was little of his zip and zing. It all seemed to have left him after the physical and psychological mauling he suffered at the accomplished hands of Marco Antonio Barrera.
But it has to be remembered that this was the only defeat of his entire career, and all human beings can have an occasional off night. But what an off night it was!
The real vexed question mark then, was not about his hitting power, his drawing power, or his heartstrings, but rather about his ragged technique which had pointedly never been polished to its proper potential or sheen. Its glaring deficiencies were efficiently exposed, exploited, picked apart and trashed by the ruthlessly ambitious Barrera. If Naseem’s return is to culminate in triumph, he’ll need a master craftsman who’s work in refining him, will be cut out, at this late stage.
An original one time out and out slugger himself, Marco had come to realize that he would have to adapt and become more savvy to extend his ring longevity. He did so and with this versatility he has accomplished much more. It remains to be seen whether Naseem can reach the same heights or will be forever confined to a lower level plateau.
Even though he won by a country mile in their only encounter to date, cunning Barrera remained warily respectful throughout, about the potent punching power of Naseem, confiding afterwards, that a left hook which Naseem had landed on his shoulder then deflected further up to give him a small but deep cut on his nose.
On that night Marco’s instructions had been to go in, inflict maximum damage, but not to hang around and get caught up in a pier side skirmish, because a single swipe from Naseem could wipe out all his good work in an instant.
Time since then, has passed like water under a crumbling mossy bridge, and it’s ebbing away, rather than flowing for Naseem. So he really needs to hurry up, but in a thoughtful, measured and thoroughly organized way.
If he’s really serious about returning, he must fight often, to peal off flab, but more importantly, many more accumulated layers of ring rust. He got to get plenty of conditioning and perhaps even more importantly, world class sparring. It’s the essence of what previously retained his interest in the midst of training chores, and sharpened him up. That sparring is to be found in the United States and from elsewhere in Americas, namely its Latin quarters. So if he wants these opportunities to come his way, he will have to travel light and base himself on this side of the pond.
Legendary trainer Emanuel Steward who was previously with Naseem, has already indicated he would be interested in getting him back to fine fighting fettle. But prior to the Barrera fumble, Naseem’s other guru Oscar Suarez held sway over Manny and sparring was kept to a illogical minimum. That proved a costly mistake. So did the lack of attitude and the dearth of altitude training, because Marco was positively mountaineering, which provided him with a rich red blood cell reservoir of high octane natural energy, gained by honest puff and pant.
Naseem really now needs a new face, who’ll be a first class coach, coupled with a tough no nonsense assertive personality, prepared to command and countermand while being firm enough to hold him in check, but still be a “good mate”. A first rate physical conditioner and nutritionist wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
It’s very unlikely Naseem could ever boil down the featherweight division again. lightweight with its abundance of talent, would probably be a bridge too far. So perhaps he might have to settle for super featherweight?
I’m convinced he still desperately wants to settle unfinished business with Marco Antonio Barrera, and to finally redeem himself with his fists, because his previous down pegging has been gnawing at him ever since.
He’s got about eighteen months at the outside to do so.
But for what?
Money’s always nice to earn, even the hard way. But this has more to do with ego and realizing that dreams can become reality via push and drive. But won’t it need a miracle? Many years ago, Rocky Marciano calmly pondered and then quietly started physical preparations for a comeback. But quickly realized that it wasn’t to be and he didn’t hang around any longer.
Marvin Hagler once told me that when he decided to hang up his gloves for good, he stayed away from the gym for several years, because he well knew the seductive tang of rubbing liniment would hypnotically draw him back, and the follow on would prove beyond a shadow of doubt that he was his OLD self!
The level of sacrifice and commitment Naseem will have to undertake and get through will be absolutely mind boggling, numbing and daunting. The fearsome array of opponents waiting will be yet more so.
The likes of Erik Morales, Manny Pacquiao and Marco Antonio Barrera at super featherweight. While it could be Jesus Chavez, Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo if he headily dares to go even heavier.
Looking at it realistically, he’s already achieved many of his tangible goals, but the ghouls of pride have slowly but surely drawn, or dragged him back.
Few have taken such a break and got themselves back to the pinnacle. Naseem can be classed as quirky, unorthodox and someone who stands out in the world of boxing, although he must admit to himself that he never fought the very best that was around even back then. But the question which remains to be answered is, whether he’s left it too late to try and get back to the summit from base camp?
We’ll soon find out.
