Simone Maludrottu defeated Ian Napa by a unanimous points decision to retain the European bantamweight title.
Napa performed well after a slightly dispointing start and for parts of the fight he looked like he was threatening to cause a huge upset by beating his Italian opponent.
But despite a high punch count Napa’s lack of power again proved the difference between the boxers. Maludrottu, the WBC’s number one contender, took the storm on the chine and went on to win on all three judges’ cards.
I would give some credit to Napa as he was moving forward constantly for the entire fight, it was just a case of Maludrottu throwing the better punches. Maludrottu was the victor on all of the judges scorecards, 117-112 117-112 116-113.
Napa said: “It was a good fight and all credit to the guy. I was at him for the whole 12 rounds but he’s a good fighter.”
A lack of height will always prove a handicap for Napa, but he ruled out trying to drop down a division.
“I’m not going to kill myself to be a super-fly,” he said.
Maludrottu, also 28, claimed: “I am the best bantamweight in the world and I will be world champion. It is just a matter of time.”
So how long will it by before Maludrottu becomes a world champion? Can he make it?
