The East End s British bantamweight champion Ian Napa knows he cannot afford any mistakes when he defends his title against Doncaster challenger Jamie McDonnell on Friday night at the Brentwood Centre

The East End's British bantamweight champion Ian Napa knows he cannot afford any mistakes when he defends his title against Doncaster challenger Jamie McDonnell on Friday night at the Brentwood Centre.

Victory is vital for 'Dapa' Napa for victory will make certain that he will go forward to challenge Jerome Arnould for the vacant Euro championship in France on Saturday, March 6.

He is taking no chances ahead of his fight against McDonnell.

The big freeze that has gripped the country in recent weeks has meant that Napa cannot train near his Clapton home.

So the five foot one inch fighter has moved into a hotel which has full gym facilities, so the bantamweight has used the running machine so his running is not neglected.

It is one of the biggest fights of his career and both he and his promoter know it.

"Ian knows that if he lost to McDonnell the Arnould fight would be off. Before he speaks about Arnould, let's get what is a very tough British title defence out of the way," said Frank Maloney

There will also be plenty of interest in a talent-packed supporting bill which features Larry Olubamiwo.

Olubamiwo, a former Repton amateur campaigner with just a single points defeat in his seven pro appearances, will be moved up in class on Friday's bill when he boxes Irish puncher Scott Belshaw.

"My fight with Scott Belshaw is definitely a step up," says big hitter Olubamiwo.

"I think he's a very good opponent for me and obviously he's still got ambitions himself because he's still got a decent record.

"It's by no means an easy fight for me, but if I do what I'm supposed to do, and what I've been working on in training, I should come away with the victory.

"I know I punch hard enough that if I catch anyone clean, they'll go."

However, there is a different view from Johnny Eames, who trains Belshaw at his TKO gym. "I can't see Scott losing unless he does something stupid," said Eames.

"Olubamiwo is very crude and raw but very, very strong."

The funeral service for former boxing manager Terry Lawless will be held at St Mary's Church, North Woodham, Woodham Road, Essex, CM3 8RJ on Friday at 12 noon.

It will be followed by a cremation which takes place at Chelmsford Crematorium, Writtle Road, Chelmsford at 2pm.

Floral tributes should be sent to the home of Terry's daughter, Lorraine, at Seaton, The Street, Stow Maries, Essex CM3 6RY.

Lawless died in hospital in Spain on Christmas eve following a gall bladder operation.

He was 76.