Boxing News Boxing News
European super bantam champion Ian Napa will put his title belt at risk tonight at Newham Leisure Centre in London, England a day after voluntarily giving up the British crown.
Napa, 18-6 (1), has big plans to improve upon his world ranked status and has moved above taking the domestic level fights needed to retain the British title.
But before Napa can even think about facing world class opposition at bantamweight, the Hackney whirlwind must meet the challenge posed by former French champion Malik Bouziane tonight in Newham.
Bouziane, 10-1 (1), is one of the Continent’s best kept secrets, an Algerian residing in France who possesses impeccable amateur credentials and genuine skill that is sure to give Napa a stern test this evening.
Promoter Frank Maloney has stacked the undercard tonight in support of Napa as there are two very difficult matchups for two of his up and coming prospects.
Lightweight Henry Castle, 19-4 (11), is on the hunt for a domestic title opportunity but before that can happen, the Salisbury slugger must stifle the comeback hopes of former British super featherweight champion Carl Johanneson, 27-4 (19), in a dangerous eight round affair.
Light middle Sam Webb, 12-1 (4), takes a high risk bout against tough Brummie boxer Max Maxwell, 9-4-1 (2), in another eight rounder and for Webb to see a British title shot materialize laster this year, he’ll have to do the business in the ring tonight.
Also on the bill at Newham is featherweight sensation Akaash Bhatia, promising heavyweights Tom Dallas and Larry Olubamiwo, flashy flyweight Ashley Sexton, rugged welterweight Tomas Grublys and lightweight Liam Shinkwin among others.
