Economides relishes challenge from fellow unbeaten prospect
When Paul Economides (7-0) steps into the ring on November 13th against Paisley stylist and former amateur star Stephen Russell (6-0), he knows he is just one fight away from the big time. The battle, which takes place on the Ricky Hatton promoted Matthew Hatton-Lovemore Ndou undercard is the type of battle that we never really see in British rings.
Two undefeated prospects, who could have easily gone in separate directions, have decided to do battle to see who really is the real deal. To the victor go the spoils, prestige, glory, the tag as one of the finest super-bantamweight prospects in the country. To the loser one can see a trip back to the small hall and untelevised shows until they inevitably try to rise again. Many youngsters would shy away. Economides however had no bones about taking the fight.
“I got the call when I was in the gym. I took it straight away! Yes, it is a risk but where I want to go you need to take risks, any fight is a risk. Anyway, the better the opposition the better I fight. Look when I fought Tony McQuade, he is far better than his record suggests and I fought my best fight ever. When I fought Delroy (Spencer) no disrespect, but I just wasn't up for it and I put in a pretty poor performance. This will make me raise my game.”
A commendable attitude. Boxing faces such challenges in the modern society. Joe Public is bored of home fighter v TBA or A. Bum. The people want to see two talented guys put it all on the line. If boxing listens to these cries then it will surely see off the threat of the UFC. If it doesn't the future could be bleak. Fights like this restore confidence in the game. Good work Ricky, keep it up!
OK, off my soapbox. Economides, nicknamed 'Spartan' due to his Greek-Cypriot heritage, believes that he is taking one major advantage into the ring that night. The strength of opposition.
“I think he has had it easier than me. The best guy he fought was Delroy Spencer and I dealt with him easy enough. I fought Pavels Senkovs and he is a hard nut. He wiped out Pete Leworthy and Kelso in one round each, and Leworthy was 4-0 at the time. Plus guys like McQuade come to win. That's going to make me ready."
That comment could seem strange since a look at the records of Paul's opponents are losing ones. But I know what he means. There is a difference between losing and trying to win, and losing and covering up, trying not to be hurt. Economides feels his 'more active' fights will toughen him up come crunch night.
But what does Economides know about Stephen Russell, bar a trip to BoxRec? Enough he feels.
“I heard he had a good amateur record. He beat Paul Appleby a few times. Heard he is very skilful, a counter-puncher, box-fighter. But I have heard reports that he isn't the best of trainers. But I'm not relying on that. I'm gonna go out and do the business.”
The Chester man also feels that the weight at which the fight is set will give him an inherent advantage.
“The fight is set at 8-11. He hasn't fought above that but I have done it at 8-13. That's gonna make me so strong come fight night. Look, I'm already nine stone and there is about three weeks to the fight. That means I only need lose three pounds, I'm gonna do that easy.”
Fights however, are not won on the scales. It could be argued that they are not even won in the ring. They are won with the weeks of hard work in the gym, preparing to meet your nemesis. Paul intends to leave nothing to chance.
“I have done so much sparring with southpaws. I have been working out what they are good at and what they don't like. Even my pad work is set up for southpaws. I'm so ready.”
Come fight night Economides will get the chance to back up his words. The man seems to have the ingredients to become a star. The handsome, Cypriot features, the girlfriend with model looks, he can talk for England so he will catch on with the general public who are likely to see his fight live on Sky. These 'star qualities' however will mean absolutely nothing if he can't back up his words against Russell. That's what makes the fight so intriguing. Both fighters are one step away from stardom. The question is, which one will grasp the opportunity?
One final question had to be asked. Is the pressure of the big crowd and probable TV audience going to unnerve the Chester fighter? Paul had a very direct response to such a question.
"I will be both excited and nervous, but don't worry, it wont affect my performance, I will be focused on doing my job.”
So now its on to fight night. No-one can tell what will happen as soon as they step into the ring. But rest assured, if focus, confidence and determination win fight then Paul 'Spartan' Economides will take some stopping.
