Prince Naseem Hamed has called for Brendan Ingle to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
The Sheffield boxing legend Naseem Hamed paid tribute to his former trainer who he credits Brendan for laying the foundations to his boxing career, putting his success down to the Wincobank man and wants to see the Irishman given a posthumous place in the coveted roll of honour.
Naseem Hamed was one of the biggest names in boxing during the 1990s, he went on to win the WBO world featherweight champion in 1995 and a unified world champion two years’ later.
The former featherweight boxer was one of four world champions trained by the Irishman during his illustrious career, the 44-year-old feels he owes much of his success in boxing to Ingle and feels his former trainer deserves
Brendan Ingle created the world-famous Wincobank gym which became a production line, a conveyer belt of champions and reformed characters, he mentored Naseem Hamed from the age of seven and the two captured multiple featherweight world championships, while Nelson became a WBO cruiserweight title holder and Witter a former WBC light-welterweight champion.
Mr Ingle died last Friday at Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital after earlier suffering a brain haemorrhage.
In a statement on itv.com, Hamed said: “The 25th of May was a very sad day for me, the Ingle family and Sheffield as a whole.
“It was especially upsetting for me as I spent a large part of my early life and formative years guided by Brendan, in fact, during many of those years I spent more time with Brendan than my own family.
“I had an unbelievable and amazing time, created by Brendan, and I will never forget how Brendan laid the foundations for my boxing career, making me the fighter I became.
“Brendan brought something amazing to the sport of boxing and will be sorely missed by all who have had the pleasure of his company over the years.
“During my career there were times we were inseparable and I can honestly say that if it were not for Brendan Ingle I would not have achieved all I did in the sport of boxing. I hope in the years to come Brendan will be honoured, as I have, in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
“Teaching his concept of boxing, hit and don’t get hit, producing five world champions, Brendan was a true innovator putting Sheffield boxing on the map, with Herol ‘Bomber’ Graham he started it, I completely mastered it and the rest will always be mere pretenders.
“I wish to pass on my respects and condolences to the Ingle Family and all Brendan’s friends at this difficult time.”
Brendan Ingle R.I.PIngle’s funeral will take place at Sheffield Cathedral, 1.30pm, June 14, before moving to the City Road crematorium
