Prince legend lives on [Archives:2002/21/Last Page]

Prince Naseem did it again. The Yemeni world boxing champion defeated Spains Manuel Calvo by unanimous decision in the 12th round in an exciting match in the Docklands Arena in London on Saturday night after an exhausting and long battle. Prince Naseem failed, however, to knock out the European featherweight Calvo, who has never been knocked out in any of his previous 38 fights.
This win, even if difficult, has indeed revived hopes and spirits in millions of Yemenis, who have been somewhat disappointed for Prince Naseems defeat from Barrera. But no doubt, this win will resemble a moral and psychological boost for Naz and all his fans.
Even though this match seems to be a good refreshing start after more than 12 months out of the ring, yet the former world boxing champion along with his supporters are really looking ahead to a rematch with Mexicos Antonio Barrera who took away his undefeated record last year.
As for retiring, Hamed said Theres no way Ill be retiring before Barrera gets beat by me.
On the other hand, Hameds brother Riadh said that retirement was never an option, We will not be pressured into making these fights. Naz is a much more mature guy than he was a few years ago. We left him at his own pace and it was always a question of when and where his next fight would be, never if it would be.
After 35 straight wins, including 31 knockouts, Hamed lost to Barrera by a unanimous decision in Las Vegas in April 2001.

——
[archive-e:21-v:2002-y:2002-d:2002-05-20-p:./2002/iss21/lastpage.htm]