28 years ago

Date: 16th March 1996

Title: WBO World Featherweight Title

Promoter: Sports Network

Tv: Sky Sports

Naseem Hamed
( 20 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 125¾ lbs

Said Lawal
( 17 - 1 - 1 )
Weight: 125 lbs

On Saturday, 16th March 1996, Naseem Hamed successfully defended his WBO World Featherweight Title against Nigerian challenger Said Lawal at the Scottish Exhibition Centre in Glasgow. The fight, promoted by Queensberry Promotions, ended in a technical knockout (TKO) at 1:40 in the eighth round. At the time of the fight, Hamed held an impressive undefeated record of 20-0-0, while Lawal's record stood at 17-1-1.

The Sheffield-born Hamed, known for his flashy style and knockout power, weighed in at 125¾ lbs, while Lawal, hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, weighed in at 125 lbs. Lawal, a 26-year-old southpaw, held the World Boxing Council International championship belt and was considered a worthy opponent for Hamed, who had moved up in weight to defeat then WBO Featherweight champion Steve Robinson in September 1995 at Cardiff Arms Park.

In front of an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 8,000 spectators, Hamed quickly demonstrated his dominance in the ring. From the opening bell, Hamed was relentless in his attack, landing a powerful right hook that broke Lawal's nose, according to Hamed's trainer Brendan Ingle. Despite the devastating blow, Lawal managed to regain his footing, rising to his feet at the count of five.

However, Hamed's relentless pursuit continued, as he connected with a right uppercut that sent Lawal reeling onto the ropes. With a final right cross to the head, Hamed knocked Lawal down once more. Seeing the challenger's condition, referee Ismael Wiso Fernandez had no choice but to call an end to the contest.