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Later this month, former British and European Bantamweight Champion Ian ‘Dappa’ Napa is set to make a most welcome return to the fray, well sort of, when he takes part in the Trad TKO Boxing Gym Charity Spar-Boxing Tournament, in association with the World Boxing Union and in aid of the Indee Rose Trust, takes place at the Menzies Prince Regent Hotel, Manor Road, Chigwell, Essex IG8 8AE on Saturday 22nd February 2014.
Ian virtually dominated both the British and European Bantamweight division throughout 2007 and 2008, winning the Lonsdale belt outright before moving onto the European scene, where he beat Carmelo Ballone to capture the European crown in October, 2008.
In 2011, Ian retired from competitive action, but to this day continues to train regularly at the Trad TKO Gym in Canning Town, as well as happily sharing his extensive knowledge, or donning gloves and headgear for some quality sparring, with some of the famous East End fight factory’s young prospects.
Following one of the aforementioned sparring sessions the ever smiling ‘Dappa’ Napa spoke of his upcoming return to ring action, especially as it is for a good cause.
“Yeah, I’m looking forward to it and it’s all for a good cause, I’m always up for stuff like this, that’s in my nature. I believe in supporting organisations of all types, I’ve done various things for charity. I’ve also done things for anti knife and gun crime.
“I remember that people from all walks of life supported and helped me and it’s good to give back when you can. Yeah I’m in training, but I already decided that this year that I’ll take up healthy living, unlike the other years when I finished my boxing and everything just went out the window, but now I’ve taken up the healthy living, so I’m training hard, which is good for this event as well.
“I’ve been told I’ll be sparring Matthew Marsh for this one, he’s someone I’ve sparred with in the past. Obviously this is years later, but you know it’s all fun, know what I mean, we’ll have a good time and hopefully raise a lot of money for the Indee Rose Trust – that’s the aim.”
