Frank Maloney Boxing: Napa Moves Into Hotel To Train During Bad Weather

Ian Napa has left home to make sure he's in shape for his British bantamweight title defence against Jamie McDonnell at Brentwood Centre on January 22.

The big freeze has meant that Napa cannot run near his home in East London and is moving into a hotel with trainer Brian Lawrence today (Mon).

Hackney's Napa (19-7) cannot afford to lose against his Yorkshire rival especially after being nominated to fight Frenchman Jerome Arnould for the vacant European title.

Promoter Frank Maloney: "It is a wise move by Ian and the gym won't just keep him away from distractions.

"It has full gym facilities with a running machine, so his roadwork will not be neglected.

"He has been unable to run near his home because of the ice. If he fell over the fight would be off and he would lose the nomination to box Arnould.

"Ian knows that another defeat will end his world title aspirations and he would hate to retire having been one of British boxing's best talents never to challenge for a world title.

"This shows me how serious he is and Ian is even paying for the hotel out of his purse."

Ironically the purse bids for 31-year-old Napa's fight against Arnould will take place a few hours before he faces McDonnell (12-2-1)

On the same bill Cheshunt's cocky Ashley Sexton (8-0) faces fellow extrovert Usman Ahmed (6-2-1) in a clash for the vacant English flyweight championship.

Maloney's heavyweight Larry Olubamiwo (6-1) moves up a notch when he boxes Irish puncher Scott Belshaw (10-3).

tickets from frankmaloney.com.