Support for the New Wave of Fighters
Boxing legend “Prince” Naseem Hamed has voiced support for fighters emerging from unconventional backgrounds, including influencers like Jake Paul. Speaking on Jake Humphrey’s High Performance podcast, the Sheffield-born former champion said he is “happy” to see these athletes making a living in the sport.
Hamed explained, “I don’t mind people making money through the sport of boxing. If they can train and they come from a YouTube background or any background or they’ve got a name, it’s a numbers game.”
Jake Paul’s High-Profile Matches
Paul, the YouTube star turned professional boxer, recently faced former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua at the Kaseya Center in Miami. Although Paul was stopped in the sixth round of the scheduled eight, his rise highlights how social media stars are attracting new audiences to boxing.
In 2021, Paul co-founded Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) to further engage younger fans, expanding boxing’s reach beyond traditional circuits. Hamed noted, “These fighters are getting put on Netflix and I am happy for them,” acknowledging the visibility and opportunities this new generation of fighters receives.
Hamed’s Legendary Career
Hamed, 51, retired in 2002 with a record of 36-1, including 31 knockouts. His only defeat came against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera, yet his four-belt championship reign earned him a place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015. Despite his own era’s traditional pathways to success, Hamed now welcomes a more diverse route into the sport.
