Hamed in action in his last bout, on May 18 2002

The 30-year-old has not been in competitive action since defeating Manuel Calvo on points in May 2002.

But he said: "I am still fresh, still got the hunger to come back and do what I want to. So early next year I reckon you will see me in the ring."

Hamed was full of praise for Olympic hero Amir Khan and said: "He has speed and co-ordination and I admire him."