Patience and persistance was rewarded last night as the talented Ian 'dapa' Napa finally gained the rewards his talent deserves as he annexed the British Bantamweight crown with a close but clear UD over Jason 'too smooth' Booth.



It was sweet reward for the gifted Napa as he outboxed and outworked his opponent to gain a revenge win and a cherished Lonsdale belt.



Napa has always been a gifted fighter but his lack of firepower has badly hindered his career as in his 20 fight career he's never scored a stoppage.



Considered very unlucky in several previous defeats where it appeared he was very harshly treated, Napa made good this time and left no real room for doubt.

It was nip and tuck early on but Napa edged ahead as the fight wore on with the eye ctahcing bursts backed up by a slick defense. Napa at times is a joy to watch with all the old school moves. He sometimes resembles a tiny James Toney as he uses shoulder roles and fires off sweet right hand counters. A Napa with power would in this writers opinion have been a genuine world title hopeful, but standing just 5'1 and having basically zero pop was always going to be a major problem for the former amateur starlet.



But it was heartening to see his perserverance rewarded in this fight and though Booth fought bravely in truth after the half way stage it was Napa's fight all the way despite some spirited attempts to rally from his opponent.



Scores were 117-113, 115-113, 116-113