Giant movie: How Prince Naseem’s swagger, talent and controversy shaped a boxing era
The movie Giant tells the story of one of the most polarising figures British boxing has ever produced. Prince Naseem Hamed was never just a fighter, he was an event. From gravity-defying ring walks to ruthless knockouts, Naseem’s rise from Sheffield gyms to world champion status is explored through a lens of fame, ego, culture and consequence. Giant focuses on what made him extraordinary and why his legacy still sparks debate years after his final bout.
Who is Prince Naseem?
Prince Naseem Hamed, widely known as “Naz”, is a former multiple-time world champion at featherweight. Born in Sheffield to Yemeni parents, he was trained by Brendan Ingle, whose unconventional approach helped mould Naseem’s unorthodox style. In the ring, he relied on explosive speed, devastating power and reflexes that allowed him to drop his hands and bait opponents. Outside it, his confidence bordered on arrogance, but it also made him one of the biggest draws in boxing during the late 1990s.
Fight stats
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total professional fights | 37 |
| Wins | 36 |
| Wins by knockout | 31 |
| Losses | 1 |
| World titles held | WBO, IBF, WBC (featherweight) |
| Professional debut | 1992 |
| Retired | 2002 |
The iconic ring entrance (controversial to Eubank Sr)
Prince Naseem’s ring entrances became legendary. Flying carpets, elaborate costumes, fireworks and carefully choreographed performances turned his walk to the ring into a spectacle of its own. For fans, it was unforgettable entertainment. For traditionalists, it was deeply uncomfortable. One of the most vocal critics was Chris Eubank Sr. who believed the latter copied his somersault entrance.
There has been a long-running dispute between Chris Eubank Sr and Prince Naseem Hamed over the origins of the iconic ring-entrance move involving a somersault or leap over the ropes. Both fighters have claimed credit for popularising the entrance, with accusations that one copied the other. Despite the rivalry and public back-and-forth, Eubank Sr and Naseem never actually fought each other in the ring.
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About the movie and Pierce Brosnan as Brendan Ingle
Rather than focusing purely on fight results, Giant examines the mental and emotional weight of fame. The film explores Prince Naseem’s relationship with his longtime trainer Brendan Ingle, played in the movie by Pierce Brosnan. Their bond sits at the heart of the film, showing how Ingle’s unconventional methods and belief in Naseem helped shape both his fighting style and his confidence.
The pressure of remaining undefeated, the distractions of stardom and the constant media spotlight are all portrayed as forces that slowly strain that relationship. Giant ultimately presents Prince Naseem as a complex figure a fighter whose natural talent was undeniable, but whose journey was deeply influenced by the mentor who guided him from obscurity to global fame.
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