Prince Naseem Hamed Discusses Potential Charity Fight with Jake Paul
Charity Over Cash: Hamed’s Perspective on Boxing and Giving Back
In a candid interview, Prince Naseem Hamed, the former boxing sensation, made it clear that money isn’t a motivator for him, especially when figures like £20 million are thrown around. Hamed’s reaction to a hypothetical offer to fight YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul was dismissive in terms of financial incentive. He expressed, “Jake Paul? Jake Paul doesn’t mean anything to me. £20m, what is £20m? £20m, £100m, £200m doesn’t change my lifestyle. I am a man that gets on his hands and knees and puts his head on the floor five times a day. I’m humble. It ain’t about that.”
Fighting for a Cause: Hamed’s Conditions for Returning to the Ring
While money might not lure Hamed back into the ring, the idea of fighting for a charitable cause could. He hinted at the possibility of returning to boxing if it meant supporting a nation in need, such as Yemen or Palestine, where he has deep personal and cultural ties. “You need to understand something, fighting for a country for somebody to do well, for somebody to raise money, an obscene amount of money, then I could think about that,” Hamed stated. This sentiment reflects a deeper, more meaningful potential comeback focused on humanitarian efforts rather than personal gain.
Reflecting on Boxing’s Evolution and the Role of Charity
Hamed, who has not fought professionally since May 2002, also shared his views on the current state of boxing, suggesting that the sport has not progressed as he had hoped. “My sport has gone backwards. We haven’t gone forwards. It just seems that boxing has taken a step back,” he reflected. In his view, boxing’s allure is waning compared to more dynamic sports like MMA, which continue to captivate audiences with their intensity and action.
Potential Dream Event: A Family Affair for Charity
The former champion dreams of a unique event that could draw him back to the competitive arena—fighting alongside his sons in the Middle East for a charitable cause. “So I’d love to go into training and, you never know, if we could do like me, and my three sons all on one card in the Middle East, that would be one of my dreams,” Hamed envisioned. Such an event would not only mark his return but also promote boxing as a tool for social change, leveraging his legacy to benefit others.
In conclusion, Prince Naseem Hamed remains a figure of intrigue in the world of boxing, not just for his past achievements but for his forward-thinking approach to using his platform for charitable causes. Whether or not a fight with Jake Paul materializes, Hamed’s focus on charity over wealth sets a commendable precedent for athletes worldwide.
