by T.K. Stewart

 

An informal poll of boxing writers from the Boxing Writers Association of America finds that in his first year of eligibility - 'Prince' Naseem Hamed will likely not make the cut and be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2009.

 

Only 23% of the BWAA electors that were surveyed returned a positive response when asked if they planned on putting a check mark next to Hamed's name. 

 

The official ballots for the 2009 class need to be in the hands of the Hall's Executive Director, Ed Brophy, on or before October 31st.

 

During his career, Hamed was a polarizing figure within the world of professional boxing and he was either loved or hated by the fans - there seemed to be no in between with him.

 

Although he was a dazzling performer who entertained boxing fans with flair and a style all his own, most of the boxing writers, the ones that will decide whether he is enshrined in the prestigious hall, were not sold on his accomplishments in the ring.

 

Hamed fought professionally from 1992-2002, compiled a pro record of 36-1 (31KOs) and defended versions of his IBF, WBC and WBO Featherweight titles 15 times.  His only loss came via a twelve round decision to Marco Antonio Barrera in a 2001 fight where the Sheffield, England born Hamed was thoroughly outclassed - some would say exposed.

 

But despite his impressive tatistics and despite the excitement he brought to boxing with his ring entrances and electrifying one-punch knockout power, it appears as though most writers feel Hamed was a better entertainer than he was a prizefighter.

 

Most writers who indicated they were not voting for Hamed expressed the sentiment of this well-known member of the BWAA, who shall remain nameless: 

 

"No. Hamed's accomplishments are greater than he is given credit for, but he falls a little short of Hall of Fame status. Had he beaten Marco Antonio Barrera and boxed successfully for a couple of years more it would have been enough to garner induction. However, the bottom line is that he did not win the highest profile fight of his career."  

 

Hamed fought only once more after the humiliating loss to Barrera. In May 2002, he was practically booed out of the ring in London after winning a close decision over Manuel Calvo, of Spain.

 

Another writer said of his choice not to select Hamed:

 

"I'm not voting for Naseem Hamed this year.  I've wrestled with the decision for a while now. On the one hand I believe he has statistically achieved more than a number of the recent inductees [e.g. featherweight Barry McGuigan].  But that doesn't make him an automatic choice in my book.  Given his tumultous relationship with the boxing fans and media I just don't belive he fits into the Hall right now.  Still, in a few years time my opinion my change as I grow nostalgic thinking about his antics."

 

No writer mentioned anything about Hamed's troubles with the law in England or him being found at fault for a horrific car wreck in 2005 that maimed another driver and sent Hamed to a brief stint in jail. 

 

However, as with athletes in other sports that have run into trouble with the law, it could be a factor that weighs on the minds of voters.

 

An independent accounting firm selected by the IBHoF in Canastota, New York will tabulate the official ballots and a press conference will be held in early January to announce the newest class of inductees.

 

Those that did support Hamed were emphatic with their 'yes' votes and I might add that they were some of the biggest names that exist in terms of professional boxing writers.

 

But right now, the tracking data does not look good for Hamed's chances. 

 

It makes me remember what he said to me after he fought Wayne McCullough in Atlantic City in 1998:

 

"At the end of the day, I'll be remembered as the greatest fighter that ever lived." 

  

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