Bantamweight Ian Napa looks to even the score against arch-rival Martin Power as the two reprise their highly contested 2005 British title fight this Friday night at London’s Newham Leisure Center on a Frank Maloney promotion..
While Napa, 15-6 (1), had yet to extricate himself from the pack when he originally challenged then British titlist Power, 19-2 (8), the 29 year old leather merchant relishes the turnabout of events as it is he, rather than Power, who now wears the Lonsdale belt around his waist.
“I feel that I’ve improved a lot, and it’s going to be a different ball game completely,” said Napa. “When I fought Power last time, I was trying to come back from a loss, whereas now I’m more established, having won two British title fights back to back.”
The watershed moment in Napa’s career came 16 months after dropping the highly controversial split decision to Power, when the 5 foot 1 inch East Ender pushed European champion Simone Maludrottu hard over the course of a twelve round decision loss.
“When Ian fought Maludrottu, he gave the Italian his toughest fight as a pro,” said Napa’s trainer Brian Lawrence. “Ian has gone on to win the British title and defended it. He’s come on by leaps and bounds and at the moment, is a world class fighter. If Maludrottu is the WBC number one, Napa’s not far behind him. Ian has the British belt, but that’s just a start. He wants a world title.”
However, before the Napa camp can begin a march on the world stage, they must successfully navigate the tricky rematch with Power, as the former British champion has sworn that he will regain the belt which he never lost in the ring.
It’s a challenge to his crown that Napa knows he must repel if he is to capitalize on the promise shown during his brush with one of the world’s elite bantamweights.
“I showed my caliber in the European title fight but I’ve got to move on,” he said. “This rematch with Power isn’t just about revenge; this is basically an opportunity to set things right.”
Frank Maloney Promotions presents ‘The Delicate Sound of Thunder’ at the Newham Leisure Centre, 281 Prince Regent Lane, London E13 8SD on Friday, November 30, 2007. Tickets are priced at £75 and £40 and are available by logging onto www.frankmaloney.com or by calling the Box Office at 0871 226 1508.
For any further press information please call 020 8467 7647.