Prince Naseem: Professor’s books inspire Hollywood boxing movie

Hollywood is making a movie based on the books by Geoff Beattie.

A scholar who teaches at a university is leaving the classroom setting to attend a glamorous event, as his written works are being adapted into a feature film by the entertainment industry capital, Hollywood.

The production of the film titled Giant has started. This biopic will portray the life of Prince Naseem Hamed, a previous featherweight champion in the boxing world.

Featuring actors Pierce Brosnan and Amir El-Masry, the inspiration for this production came from two literary works authored by Geoff Beattie, a psychology professor at Edge Hill University who coincidentally shared a workout space with Naseem and closely followed his success.

Years ago, someone asked for the rights and I didn't think anything would come of it. But now, out of nowhere, it's here," he shared.

Pierce Brosnan and Amir El-Masry have been confirmed as the lead actors for the upcoming movie Giant.

He expressed that he had penned the books several years prior and was caught off guard by the unexpected outcome. He admitted to feeling surprised.

The written works, which were composed in the 1990s, center on the prominent boxing hub of Brendan Ingle situated in Wincobank, Sheffield. They delve into the sport of boxing during an uncertain financial period that followed the closure of coal mines and the reduction of the steel industry.

Professor Beattie spoke highly of his relationship with Ingle, portrayed by the former actor of James Bond, Pierce Brosnan. He stated that they had a great connection and became very close.

"He used to share his thoughts with me, and we would have intimate conversations."

One of the individuals who was working out at the fitness center was Prince Naseem Hamed, a renowned British boxer who later achieved great success in the featherweight division.

Prof Beattie stated that he fully engaged and involved himself in the culture, documenting his observations in writing.

Observing the progression of the father-son dynamic between Naseem Hamed and Brendan, things eventually took a negative turn."

Amir El-Masry portrays the character of Hamed, while Sylvester Stallone serves as the film's executive producer.

According to Professor Beattie, the books serve as the foundation for the entire concept.

Rowan Athale, the writer and director, met me in the beginning and shared the script which I found impressive.

He has incorporated various elements from the books such as details, dialogue, and conversations into the script.

The movie narrates the tale of ex-featherweight champion pugilist, Prince Naseem Hamed.

He expressed that boxers present a fascinating study in psychology because of the process involved in transforming a young man from Wincobank into a world-class champion.

During his book research, Prof Beattie also received training at Ingle's gym. This gym has been responsible for the rise of several famous boxers such as Hamed, Johnny Nelson, Junior Witter, and Kell Brook, all of whom became world champions.

"I started training to have a better understanding of boxing, to experience what it's like," he stated.

When I stepped into the ring, I didn't anticipate what was about to occur. Later that evening, I had a game of squash, and upon removing my shirt, someone noticed the extensive bruising on my back and asked if I had been in a car crash.

He carried on going to the fitness center "for a long time to observe and familiarize himself with the environment there and also track the progress of Naseem Hamed".

He kept on saying: "He was an amazing and thrilling fighter, and the initial book I wrote was named On The Ropes. This book narrated his journey to becoming a world champion."

Several years later, I followed up on the situation since the connection between the individual and his coach Brendan had somewhat deteriorated.

"However, I never anticipated receiving a call from Hollywood expressing their interest in using the books for a film."

I don't know much about Hollywood, but if things go well, it might be ready by the end of 2025."

In my opinion, the movie is going to be fantastic. The performers and the filmmaker seem to have exceptional skills - I am eagerly anticipating the chance to watch it firsthand.