British boxer Hamed walks free from jail early

LONDON – Former world featherweight boxing champion “Prince” Naseem Hamed was released early from jail on Monday after serving only a few weeks of a 15-month sentence for dangerous driving and seriously injuring another motorist.

Briton Hamed was sentenced in May after his Mercedes sports car collided head-on with another car in England’s hilly Peak District, leaving 38-year-old Anthony Burgin with numerous broken bones. The former champion, as famous for his flamboyant entrances to the boxing ring as for his combination of speed and power inside it, made a characteristically high-profile exit from Moorland open prison in the northern town of Doncaster.He spoke briefly to reporters before stepping into a silver-coloured Rolls Royce Phantom accompanied by a stretch limousine for the boxer’s entourage.”What can I say? It has been hard,” he said.Hamed, who has also held World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation versions of the featherweight belt, was undefeated in 35 professional bouts until losing his World Boxing Organisation crown in 2001.The featherweight class is for boxers weighing 57 kg (125.7 lb), or less.Last week newspapers reported Burgin, who has had numerous operations since the crash, was shocked by the decision to release Hamed early as part of the government’s Home Detention Scheme which means the boxer will have to wear an electronic tag.Nampa-ReutersThe former champion, as famous for his flamboyant entrances to the boxing ring as for his combination of speed and power inside it, made a characteristically high-profile exit from Moorland open prison in the northern town of Doncaster.He spoke briefly to reporters before stepping into a silver-coloured Rolls Royce Phantom accompanied by a stretch limousine for the boxer’s entourage.”What can I say? It has been hard,” he said.Hamed, who has also held World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation versions of the featherweight belt, was undefeated in 35 professional bouts until losing his World Boxing Organisation crown in 2001.The featherweight class is for boxers weighing 57 kg (125.7 lb), or less.Last week newspapers reported Burgin, who has had numerous operations since the crash, was shocked by the decision to release Hamed early as part of the government’s Home Detention Scheme which means the boxer will have to wear an electronic tag.Nampa-Reuters

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