Hamed dismisses his rivals

Boxing

Naseem Hamed delivered his usual set of predictions yesterday after sizing up possible opponents. The World Organisation featherweight champion will meet the undefeated challenger Daniel Alicea, of Puerto Rico, or the International Federation champion, American Tom Johnson, in London in May or early June.

His promoter Frank Warren, having dismissed the claims of Britain's, Colin McMillan, who beat Peter Buckley in three rounds last night, and Duke McKenzie, expects to finalise the title defence soon and plans another fight in July followed by a match with the World Council super- featherweight champion, Azumah Nelson.

Hamed said: "I rate Alicea a good, young, strong fighter, but I will probably give him three rounds. Johnson is getting past it and looks a bit chinny. He will go in less than that.

"Nelson is a legend and I can't wait to meet him. They say he is too strong but at 37, and against my punching, he will be stopped in less than eight rounds.''