LONDON (Reuters) - Former world featherweight boxing champion, "Prince" Naseem Hamed, was released early from jail on Monday after serving only a few weeks of a 15-month sentence for dangerous driving that seriously injured another motorist.

Hamed, as famous for his flamboyant entrances to the boxing ring as for his combination of speed and power inside it, made a characteristically high profile exit from Moorland open prison in Doncaster.

He spoke briefly to reporters before stepping into a silver-coloured Rolls Royce Phantom which was accompanied by a stretch limousine for the boxer's entourage.

"What can I say. It has been hard," he said.

Hamed, who also held World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation versions of the featherweight belt, was undefeated in 35 professional bouts until losing his World Boxing Organisation crown in 2001.

He was sentenced on May 12 after admitting dangerous driving.

His Mercedes sports car had collided head-on with another car on a Peak District road, seriously injuring the other driver. Anthony Burgin, 38, suffered numerous broken bones and has had to undergo numerous operations since the accident.

Burgin was reported by newspapers last week to be shocked at the decision to release Hamed early as part of the government's Home Detention Scheme (HDC) which means the boxer will have to wear an electronic tag.