 Hamed beat Manuel Calvo in 2002 |
Former WBO featherweight king Naseem Hamed has firmed up his plans to return to the ring after a three-year absence. The 30-year-old, who has been linked with comebacks before, says he has done a deal to fight in the Middle East.
"I've not said anything publicly until now but I plan to fight again in the summer," Hamed told the Sheffield Star, having not fought since May 2002.
"We have not selected my opponent but the fight will take place in the Middle East and that is definite."
Hamed would still need to complete the formality of re-applying for a British Boxing Board of Control licence before he could begin his comeback.
 |  Is Hamed going to come back and beat fighters like Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera or Scott Harrison? |
He has fought 37 times as a professional, losing only to Marco Antonio Barrera.
But Hamed's comeback plans have been criticised by former promoter Frank Warren.
"He's got his few quid out of boxing and he's been out of the ring for nearly three years.
"Is he going to come back and beat fighters like Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera or Scott Harrison? The answer is no.
"It is that time of year again when he starts talking about a comeback but it has not happened yet."
Hamed's last promoter Barry Hearn walked away after spending a year trying to set up a match with Michael Brodie.
MMIX
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