March 10, 2004
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK-Stylish and speedy Johnny Bredahal (54-2, 26 KOs), Denmark, will put his WBA bantamweight title on the line against unbeaten Japanese Nobuaki Naka (17-0-2, 10 KOs) at the Brondby Hallen in Copenhagen, Denmark on this coming Saturday. The 35-year-old Dane captured the WBA belt by disposing of Venezuelan Eidy Moya via ninth round KO in April 2002. He successfully scored a couple of defenses by beating ex-WBA champ Leo Gamez and Frenchman David Guerault both on points to his credit. Bredahl is the younger brother of Jimmi who had forfeited his WBO 130-pound belt to Oscar De La Hoya in 1994. Johnny lost just twice in his career as he failed to win the WBC throne by an eighth round stoppage by Wayne McCullough in 1995 and his crack at the WBA crown against Paulie Ayala wasn’t successful thought it was a very close affair in 2000. Naka already arrived here last Saturday and has kept doing workout in this city. The Japanese, 25, acquired the vacant national 118-pound belt by stopping Eiichi Odaka in two quick rounds in 2000 and defended his title on seven occasions prior to his relinquishment in the previous year. Though slated to have an ambitious shot at Jess Maca’s OPBF belt, Naka unfortunately suffered an auto accident and had the collarbone broken to be obliged to be inactive for some ten months. He made a comeback by outhustling Hirokazu Uesugi en route to a unanimous nod last November.
Bredahl is a tall and fast footworker who utilizes his long reach in outjabbing his opponent and makes good use of his superior speed in outlegging his rival. Naka loves mixing up with his opposition and wears him down with his workrate in swapping punches toe-to-toe. It may certainly become a Tom-and-Jerry game. Bredahl is a preflight favorite at his home turf, while Naka will have a puncher’s chance should he catch the elusive target with his continual aggression. It is presented by the highly renowned Danish promoter Morgens Palle and his daughter Bettina in association with Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Promotions.
(3-10-04)