The two top bantamweights in the UK met face to face yesterday as they weighed in at promoter Frank Maloney’s gym in Deptford and both Ian Napa and Lee Haskins insisted that they would come out on top in tonight’s hotly anticipated British title showdown at London’s York Hall..
Reigning champion Napa, 14-6 (0), tipped the beam at 117 and a half pounds while 23 year old southpaw Haskins, 16-1 (9), scaled slightly less at 117 and a quarter pounds.
Napa is particularly intent on retaining the British title after a career of hard luck decisions denied him earlier ownership of the crown and the Hackney based, Zimbabwe born 29 year old has staked his future in the sport on soundly defeating the challenger.
Hailing from the city of Bristol in Western England, Haskins goes into this contest fully aware that he must produce a flawless performance to take the title from Napa in the champion’s backyard and will count on a large traveling contingent of his loyal fanbase to lend loud vocal support in an otherwise hostile environment.
Only one man can win this thrilling contest of wills and neither wants to be left on the domestic scrapheap while the winner moves on to higher profile opportunities.
On the undercard, young Gary “Hot Stuff” Woolcombe, 23-2 (8), must pass his own tough test in the form of rugged northerner Jason “The Rocket” Rushton, 17-3 (3), if the talented Londoner is to realize his British title aspirations.
Frank Maloney Promotions presents ‘Boxing is Coming Home’ at York Hall, London on Friday 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.