Thursday 31 May 2018 17:19, UK
'Prince' Naseem Hamed has called for the "amazing" and "innovative" Brendan Ingle to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
The Sheffield star paid tribute to the trainer that took him to world title glory in the 1990's, following his death last Friday.
With Ingle behind him, Hamed became the WBO world featherweight champion in 1995 and a unified world champion two years' later, before their well-documented fall-out around 1998.
Hamed has said he wanted to apologise for what happened and although it did not happen, the 44-year-old put his success down to the Wincobank man and wants to see the Irishman given a posthumous place in the coveted roll of honour.
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 over the years.
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."
The 2018 Hall of Fame line-up already includes fighters Vitali Klitschko, Erik Morales and Ronald 'Winky' Wright, while Hamed - one of four world champions trained by Ingle - was inducted alongside Riddick Bowe and Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini, three years ago.
Ingle's funeral will take place at Sheffield Cathedral, 1.30pm, June 14, before moving to the City Road crematorium.
