Hamed was originally supposed to have arrived in the US on Sunday.

However, because he did not apply for a work visa until Friday he did not get the necessary documentation until Monday.

The boxer's late arrival has infuriated Home Box Office, the cable TV network which is televising the fight in Atlantic City on Saturday.

The delays have upset HBO's plans to promote the bout - Hamed's 11th defence of his WBO featherweight title.

HBO boss Lou DiBella, has blamed British promoter Frank Warren for the problems.

"Why couldn't the application have been made three weeks ago," he said.

"Unfortunately, if you have got to blame someone, you've got to look at who your contract is with. And that contract is with Sports Network UK, Frank's company. These are the people who have got to be held a little bit accountable," he said.

"There has been a lot of confusion and difficulties inherent in this promotion, or lack thereof, and we are not going to tolerate them in the future."

'I'll win in three'

However, Frank Warren was upbeat as he arrived at Heathrow Airport for the flight to the US.

"All the problems have been solved," he said. "There was a problem with the visa and it's all been sorted."

Hamed, despite the mix-up and a falling out with trainer Brendan Ingle, predicted a quick fight as he boarded the plane.

"I'll win in three," he said. "You can put your house on it. You couldn't lose."

He has won all his 30 professional fights, 28 by knockouts. His Irish challenger has a record of 22-1 with 14 KOs.