Ex-boxing champion Naseem Hamed jailed

LONDON, May 12 (Reuters) Britain's ''Prince'' Naseem Hamed, a former WBO world featherweight boxing champion, was jailed today for 15 months for dangerous driving which caused a car crash that left another motorist seriously injured.

Hamed's Mercedes sports car collided head on with two other vehicles on a road in Sheffield not far from the boxer's home last May.

Hamed escaped unharmed but according to newspaper reports the driver of one of the other cars, 38-year-old Anthony Burgin, broke numerous bones and has been forced to undergo several operations since the crash.

Hamed, who was undefeated in 35 professional bouts until losing his World Boxing Organisation crown in 2001, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving at Sheffield Crown Court last month.

He was also banned from driving for four years.

Hamed, who also held World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation versions of the featherweight belt, was as famous for his flamboyant entrances to the boxing ring, as for his bold and unique combination of speed and power inside it.

REUTERS DH KN1750