Ian Napa finally steps into the ring as defending champion when he puts his British Bantamweight title on the line against Lee Haskins at York Hall on September 21. Local boy Napa is widely regarded as boxing’s Cinderella man and he is hell-bent on impressing on Frank Maloney’s first show of the season at a venue that many consider to be boxing’s natural home..
Now that the pocket-size boxing machine has the title in his grasp it will take a formidable fighter to wrench the ever-present belt from Napa’s waist.
For the week after the 29 year old won the title from Jason Booth on July 6 he slept with the prize strapped around his waist as he could not believe he was finally the proud owner of one of boxing’s most prestigious belts.
The chief support bout sees Commonwealth champ Ali Nuumbembe 18-2-1 (6) take on Philip Kotey 19-4-1 (12). Nuumbembe must be admired for rejecting easier options and making his first title defence against the mandatory challenger.
An intriguing 8 round light-middleweight clash between Gary Woolcombe 23-1 (8) and Jason Rushton 17-3 (3) gives the classy Woolcombe the chance to prove once again that his sole career loss to Andrew Facey was no more than just a bad day at the office.
Doncaster based Rushton is reported to be right up for the bout that neither fighter can afford to lose as they target major titles this season.
On an action-packed card all eyes will be on the ever popular Sikh boxer Akaash Bhatia whose following increases with each bout. The unbeaten 24 year old is sure to please his legion of female fans as he puts his 100% record on the line and steps up against France’s Frederick Gosset.
Frank Maloney Promotions presents ‘Boxing is Coming Home’ at York Hall, Bethnal Green London E2 9PJ on September 21, 2007. Tickets are priced at £70 and £40 and are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508. The fight is also televised live on Sky TV. For any further press information please call 02086914165.