Sports / Other
UK youths benefit from Bulawayo born British boxer
03 Jul 2014 at 00:33hrs | Views
Renowned Bulawayo born British boxer Ian 'Dappa' Napa may have retired from boxing but he is still very active in the game and is helping others, especially youngsters, get the chance that he was lucky enough to have.
The charismatic former British and European Bantamweight Champion spoke to OneVybe Magazine about how he got into the sport.
Born in Zimbabwe, Ian lived in Barbourfields, Bulawayo, until he was 12-years-old.
He says there was a gym in the area and that was where his remarkable boxing skills were noticed.
He was encouraged to get into the sport even though his focus at the time was mainly on football.
Aged 12, Ian moved to the UK where he joined a football club that also had a boxing club.
Once again, Ian gave boxing a go and then started fighting as an amateur where he was very successful and managed to get to the quarter finals in the World Games.
Realising how good he was, Ian says he then decided to become a professional boxer at the age of 19.
He told OneVybe that being professional was more challenging but it was also very rewarding.
Ian finally retired from the game in 2011 after a very successful career and since then he has been training other boxers.
"Being a trainer was a bit weird at first," Ian told OneVybe.
However, he added that it has been rewarding and has helped boxers like Marianne Marston win.
Being a successful boxer has helped Ian gain a unique perspective of the sport and he uses it to benefit those he trains.
"One cannot put a price on experience," says the former boxer who has continued to use his boxing experience and expertise in a positive way.
He credits the sport with helping him channel his energy when he was a youth.
Ian is now involved in a number of charitable activities to help mostly disadvantaged youths find a way to positively use their energy.
Ian advocates boxing for interested youngsters because it can help them in a good way and instil discipline.
Youths in Hackney's Pedro Club are a few of those fortunate enough to benefit from Ian 'Dappa' Napa's remarkable boxing expertise.
The charismatic former British and European Bantamweight Champion spoke to OneVybe Magazine about how he got into the sport.
Born in Zimbabwe, Ian lived in Barbourfields, Bulawayo, until he was 12-years-old.
He says there was a gym in the area and that was where his remarkable boxing skills were noticed.
He was encouraged to get into the sport even though his focus at the time was mainly on football.
Aged 12, Ian moved to the UK where he joined a football club that also had a boxing club.
Once again, Ian gave boxing a go and then started fighting as an amateur where he was very successful and managed to get to the quarter finals in the World Games.
Realising how good he was, Ian says he then decided to become a professional boxer at the age of 19.
He told OneVybe that being professional was more challenging but it was also very rewarding.
"Being a trainer was a bit weird at first," Ian told OneVybe.
However, he added that it has been rewarding and has helped boxers like Marianne Marston win.
Being a successful boxer has helped Ian gain a unique perspective of the sport and he uses it to benefit those he trains.
"One cannot put a price on experience," says the former boxer who has continued to use his boxing experience and expertise in a positive way.
He credits the sport with helping him channel his energy when he was a youth.
Ian is now involved in a number of charitable activities to help mostly disadvantaged youths find a way to positively use their energy.
Ian advocates boxing for interested youngsters because it can help them in a good way and instil discipline.
Youths in Hackney's Pedro Club are a few of those fortunate enough to benefit from Ian 'Dappa' Napa's remarkable boxing expertise.
Source - onevybe.com
