Prince Naseem Hamed - showman or all-time great?

[P4P Opinion]

Anyone who has seen Prince Naseem Hamed fight will know he was one of the most extravagantly talented boxers of his generation, and perhaps all time. Hamed was also one of the most exciting because of his showmanship in the ring, his elaborate entrances and his bare-faced ****iness in interviews. He of course never recovered from his only loss to Barrera.

I have two questions for you folks:

1. If Hamed hadn't been such a showman and instead concentrated on getting the max out of his athleticism, his power-hand and ruthless accuracy, would he have beaten Barrera and gone on to even greater things?

2. Would you have rather he was less exciting, but more textbook sound? Or do you think what he brought to boxing was essential at the time?

I personally think he is one of the great wastes of boxing talent, but I'm not altogether sure if I'd have got rid of his entertaining showmanship.

[The Noose]

Naseem Hamed and all time great should not be spoken in the same sentence. Im no hater, id rather watch Hamed than 90% of all other fighters.
But to answer ur questions.

1. His showmanship didnt effect how well he boxed. His main problem was he wanted to KO everyone and neglected his boxing skills. He became easier to hit and thought his power would win him every fight.
I think Kelly, Sanchez even Ingle showed Barrera how to beat him; by picking him off when he lunged forward with his chin exposed.
Im not sure how much of his decline was due to his poor training or just the higher level of opposition.
He could have beaten Barrera by KO, but even if he did, i dont see him achieving much more. It was only a matter of time before he was beaten or KO'd.

2. His unorthodox style and power was what made both exciting and successful. I dont think he could have been more text book, in the same way i dont think Tyson could ever fight like Floyd Mayweather.

But he made his mark. He delivered both in great fights and being a entertainer which are both very imortant to the sport. He probably gets way too much critisicm.

[AK-47]

1. If Hamed hadn't been such a showman and instead concentrated on getting the max out of his athleticism, his power-hand and ruthless accuracy, would he have beaten Barrera and gone on to even greater things?

Maybe, you cant really say because he was too much of a showboater but it would have been a real good fight. Personally i think barrera would beat him

2. Would you have rather he was less exciting, but more textbook sound? Or do you think what he brought to boxing was essential at the time?

I think at that time boxing did need a spark to it and naseem brought it. He came at the best time possible.

[kenny91]

To be fair he brought not only his talent but entertainment to the boxing industry. i think ,and having been an example myself, he influenced quite a few young people to take up boxin.

I mean look at money mayweather and his ****iness (not on the same level as naz though) but thats made him another excitin athelete along with his talent and great record.

AND Ricky Hatton the way he makes a bit of a joke of things (they way he ripped into mayweather) i mean it just brings that little bit more excitement to boxing and Prince Naseem was awesome at it.

Also Muhamed Ali, who also brought that lil bit of comedy

The list goes on. theres no point in bein so damn serious, sport - unlike most jobs - is barely a job its purpose originally was enjoyment so stop winging and be greatful lol :P i see where your coming from though about his loss maybe he shoulda known where to draw to line and put his head down and focus but **** happens lol

[Thread Stealer]

Hamed was a very good fighter who beat a lot of contenders and titllists during his time at 126, but ATG is a stretch.

[Ell]

Prince Naseem was a great fighter, a great showman and very exciting to want. But he can't be considered a true all time great of boxing, he retired way to early, ducked too many fighters and fought no other true greats. Though he will always be remembered as one of the most entertaining to watch.

[big paulie]

Anyone who has seen Prince Naseem Hamed fight will know he was one of the most extravagantly talented boxers of his generation, and perhaps all time. Hamed was also one of the most exciting because of his showmanship in the ring, his elaborate entrances and his bare-faced ****iness in interviews. He of course never recovered from his only loss to Barrera.

I have two questions for you folks:

1. If Hamed hadn't been such a showman and instead concentrated on getting the max out of his athleticism, his power-hand and ruthless accuracy, would he have beaten Barrera and gone on to even greater things?

2. Would you have rather he was less exciting, but more textbook sound? Or do you think what he brought to boxing was essential at the time?

I personally think he is one of the great wastes of boxing talent, but I'm not altogether sure if I'd have got rid of his entertaining showmanship.

Ha Ha, ruthless accuracy, atg?!! Hamed had great reflexes and great power but never actually learned how to box because quite simply he never had to, until he ran into the likes of Barrera where he was made to look amateurish. Against Barrera and the 2nd best boxer he faced, Wayne McCulluogh, even his power didnt count for **** and what did he have to fall back on? Nuffin!

[slickPUG]

I enjoyed Hamed's stay in boxing, while I disliked him &always wanted to see him get beat, he was exciting to watch...and it was funny to Listen to George Foreman get all excited about him haha, I always tuned into his fights. He had talent, for sure. His KO punch, leaky defense, and shakey chin made for fun fights. I think once he &Brenden Ingal parted ways, it was over, he was the only guy who understood Hamed's unique boxing style.

Man I wanted Kevin kelly to KO him, but it didn't happen, great fight though.

[Jim Jeffries]

Yeah ATG is a little far fetched, but had he not retired at 28, and picked up a better trainer, he might have gone on to a much better career. Loads of natural talent, power, speed, reflexes, but not very sound technically.

Used to crack me up when he'd throw an uppercut and looked like he was dunking a basketball.

But to answer the thread, showman.

[Basim]

The prince had me questioning some of his match expectations... he used tohave his hair "perfect" rite beofre a match and ofcorse, spend alot of time planing his entrance.

Could he have performed better in the ring if he put that extra focus into the match?