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Former trainer Brendan Ingle won't forgive 'Prince' Naseem Hamed

Brendan Ingle (left), the trainer of Prince Naseen Hamed, provides advice during the fight against Remigio Molina in November, 1996
Image: Brendan Ingle (left), and Prince Naseem: Estranged

'Prince' Naseem Hamed's hopes of reconciling with his estranged former trainer, the legendary Brendan Ingle, appear to be over.

Irishman Ingle trained the featherweight world champion for 16 years before their relationship broke down in 1997 and Hamed is keen to apologise for 'nasty things' he said about his mentor.

But a source close to Ingle has told the Sheffield Star that the Sheffield boxing icon will not entertain Hamed's apologies.

The source said: "He is not interested in meeting him. None of the family are."

Hamed, now 41 and recently inducted in to the Boxing Hall of Fame, told the Daily Telegraph last month: "I want to see Brendan and say sorry for the nasty things I said about him, because I am so grateful for the things he did for me.

"The person that I want to be honoured with me in Canastota is the first trainer I ever had and that's Brendan. He should be in the Hall of Fame. He's produced so many world champions. The time I had with Brendan was an amazing time. It was priceless.

"You couldn't put an amount of money on that.

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"What I learnt from that gym and that environment was priceless. The only thing I really want is to sit with Brendan to apologise to him, if I upset him, and to make up with Brendan.

I've been asking to go and see him for two or three years and his son keeps saying to me he's not ready. I want to go back.
Naseem Hamed

"I've been asking to go and see him for two or three years and his son keeps saying to me he's not ready. I want to go back.

"I spent more time with that man than his own gym. You can just see how many world champions and great fighters were created from that stable.

"It wouldn't be a nice thing if I walked to the actual house and was rejected. I went to a boxing show not long ago and he was there. He looked at me like he could see straight through me.

"I will go there, put my cards on the table and say: 'Listen, I'm a father of three now, them boxing days have gone by the wayside, I'm just here to say to you, I'd love to make up with you. I want to give you a big hug and apologise for everything I said wrong to you or did. I want you to forgive me.'"

Hamed (36-1-0-KO31) never officially retired but last fought in 2002 when he bounced back from his only career defeat to Marco Antonio Barrera by outpointing Manuel Calvo.

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