Ian Napa

Infobox Boxer
name = Ian Napa


imagesize =
realname = Ian Napa
nickname = Dappa
weight = Bantamweight
height =
reach =
nationality = Flagicon|GBR Flagicon|ZIM British/Zimbabwe
birth_date = 14 March 1978
birth_place = Zimbabwe
death_date =
death_place =
style = Orthodox
total = 23
wins = 17
losses = 6
draws = 0
no contests =
KO = 1

Ian Napa is a British boxer originally from Zimbabwe but now living in London he is the reigning British bantamweight champion. [ [http://www.boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=14869&cat=boxer Ian Napa professional record] ]

Early Professional Career

Napa's early career started brightly enough when he won his first 8 bouts in a row. That run was to end in November 2000 when he ran into Jason Booth who at the time was the British and Commonwealth Flyweight Champion. The step up in class was too much and Napa lost a points decision. It wasn't the first time that Napa was to be disappointed when competing for the big prizes, two fights later he found himself competing for the WBU Flyweight title losing this time on points to Peter Culshaw.

After that it seemed that every time Napa stepped up in class he would come out on the wrong side of a points defeat. Since the Culshaw loss in June 2001 Napa fought and lost against Marc Callaghan (Southern Area Super Bantamweight title), Martin Power (British Bantamweight title), Damaen Kelly and Simone Maludrottu (European Bantamweight title).

The British title and the Lonsdale Belt

Napa won the British title in July 2006 when he boxed a return against former conquerer Jason Booth [ [http://www.livefight.com/news/ian-napa-v-jason-booth-result_155.html Napa wins British title] ] . The fight took place at the Robin Park Center, Wigan and ended with a points victory over 12 rounds for Napa. Since then he's gone about things the hard way defending 3 times against Lee Haskins (retired 7th), old foe Martin Power (points 12) and Colin Moffett (points 12). The third defence was voluntary and allowed Napa to pick up the prestigious Lonsdale belt for keeps. [ [http://www.britishboxing.net/news_3411-Rendall-rules-the-Euro.html Napa nabs Lonsdale belt for keeps] ]

References