Herbie Hide

Herbert Okechukwu Maduagwu, better known as Herbie Hide, is a British former professional boxer who competed from 1989 to 2010. During his career, he held the WBO heavyweight title twice, between 1994 and 1999, and also won the British heavyweight title in 1993. Hide made himself noticed for his fast hands, powerful punches and aggressive fighting style.

Born on August 27, 1971, in Amauzari, Nigeria, Hide moved to England as a child, settling near Norwich in Norfolk. He was educated at Glebe House School and Cawston College. Hide had a brief but successful amateur boxing career, with a record of 8 wins (7 by knockout) and two losses, and was a silver medalist at the 1989 ABA Championships in the heavyweight division.

Turning professional in 1989, Hide quickly made a name for himself in the heavyweight division, amassing a record of 25 consecutive wins, primarily by knockout. His first significant achievement came in March 1994 when he knocked out Michael Bentt to win the WBO heavyweight title. Hide successfully defended this title against Riddick Bowe despite being knocked out in the sixth round after a valiant effort.

After losing and then regaining the WBO title in fights against Tony Tucker and others, Hide faced Vitali Klitschko in June 1999. Despite being the favourite, Hide was knocked out in the second round. Following this defeat, he never regained his status as a leading contender in the heavyweight division, although he did achieve some success in comebacks.

In 2006, Hide moved down to the cruiserweight division, where he enjoyed several victories, including winning the WBC International cruiserweight title in December 2007. In November 2008, he attempted to secure a fight for the vacant WBO cruiserweight title but was ultimately unsuccessful.

Outside the ring, Hide faced several legal and personal challenges, including a conviction for possessing an offensive weapon in 2003 and various motoring fines. He was also involved in a libel case with promoter Frank Warren, which resulted in a judgment against Hide. In 2011, he was acquitted of rape charges due to lack of evidence. However, in 2013, Hide was sentenced to 22 months in prison for conspiracy to supply cocaine, a conviction that stemmed from an undercover investigation.

Despite the ups and downs of his boxing career and personal life, Herbie Hide remains a notable figure in British boxing history, remembered for his dynamic fighting style and significant achievements in the heavyweight and cruiserweight divisions.