A massive mural celebrating former boxing champion Prince Naseem Hamed has appeared in downtown Sheffield, England, just days before the premiere of a major biographical film about his life. The artwork, painted on a building on Charles Street, depicts actor Amir El-Masry as the flamboyant fighter and includes the slogan "The Prince never left." Created by artist Elle Koziupa in partnership with Adidas, the piece was intended to promote the movie "Giant," which stars Pierce Brosnan and opens in theaters on Friday, January 9. However, the tribute has sparked immediate backlash from local residents and artists who argue it glorifies a man with a serious criminal conviction. The controversy centers on a 2006 dangerous driving incident that left another driver with life-altering injuries.
Prince Naseem, who rose from the working-class Wincobank neighborhood to become one of Britain's most celebrated boxers, saw his reputation shattered after a devastating crash. In 2006, he was driving his McLaren Mercedes sports car at 90 miles per hour when he collided with another vehicle, critically injuring 38-year-old Anthony Burgin. The impact was so severe that it broke every major bone in Burgin's body and caused permanent brain damage, with emergency responders describing his condition as devastating. Hamed fled the scene but was later arrested near his home as he attempted to escape in another luxury vehicle. He received a 15-month prison sentence and was stripped of his MBE honor, though he ultimately served only 16 weeks behind bars.
The mural's unveiling on social media triggered swift condemnation from Sheffield's creative community. Steel City Snapper, a popular local photography account, wrote: "I love the artist and its a really well done artwork, but the subject is awful." Neck of the Wood Studio, a community arts organization based in the city, posted: "This man might be a great sportsman but his actions outside the ring are disgusting and certainly not someone who represents the city for me!" Renowned Sheffield muralist Phlegm responded with a green sick-face emoji, while fellow street artist bubba2000art criticized the commercial nature of the project. "Tired now of seeing the medium I love hijacked yet again by advertising using murals to push the capitalist agenda further," they commented.
Critics have particularly focused on the mural's tagline, "The Prince never left," which many interpret as deliberately provocative given Hamed's actions during the 2006 incident. The phrase appears to reference both his enduring connection to Sheffield and his decision to flee the crash scene. Bubba2000art noted that the slogan seems intentionally controversial, adding: "I think the 'Never left' tagline is deliberately provocative too, considering his alleged involvement in the incident documented here and leaving the scene of the crime. Surely someone had to sign off on this piece? These murals masquerading as street art are getting silly now!" The partnership with Adidas has intensified concerns that corporate advertising is appropriating public art spaces for promotional purposes.
"Giant," directed by Rowan Athale, chronicles Prince Naseem's meteoric rise from humble beginnings to world champion status, highlighting his impact on British boxing and his Yemeni heritage. The film features Pierce Brosnan in a supporting role alongside Amir El-Masry's portrayal of the controversial fighter. While the movie aims to celebrate his athletic achievements, the mural promotion has overshadowed its release by reopening wounds in the community. The timing of the artwork's appearance, just days before the premiere, suggests a coordinated marketing campaign designed to generate buzz. However, the strategy may have backfired by alienating local audiences who remember the crash's impact on the victim and his family.
The debate highlights the ongoing tension between celebrating sports legends and acknowledging their off-field transgressions. As Sheffield residents continue to discuss the appropriateness of the mural, questions remain about who decides which public figures deserve such prominent commemoration. The controversy serves as a reminder that athletic greatness does not exempt individuals from accountability for their actions. With the film set to open nationwide, the "Never left" slogan has taken on an unintended meaning for many locals who wish the city would leave behind this painful chapter of its history.
