Economides doesn't have to carry out retirement promise

For Paul Economides, his fight on Sunday night against Bradford's Shaun Doherty really was make or break. On these very pages he had made it clear that a defeat would lead to his immediate retirement, that another setback after his one round crushing at the hands of Stephen Russell would lead to him looking at life after the noble art. This was truly a monumental day in the life of the 'Spartan'.

These were not empty words either. It had all looked so good, rave reviews in the press, an appearance on the Hatton-Ndou undercard., he truly was one fight away from the big time. That was all snatched away (more like smashed away) at the hands of his Scottish nemesis. There was talk of Economides being dead at the weight, a claim validated by his immediate move up to featherweight, coupled with a change of trainer to more experienced Steve Goodwin (not to be confused with the new promoter). But still, the Chester man had been seemingly exposed at the hands of one of the country's hottest prospects. In a very poor state of mind, Economides made it clear that another defeat would spell the end of his championship ambitions, and he wasn't willing to become a win some-lose some journeyman.

Fast forward to Sunday, a 39-38 victory against the highly underrated Doherty has brought him back to the public attention and exorcised all those demons nurturing in his brain. Paul Explains.

“I feel so much better, just total relief. It feels good. I felt really bad when I made those stupid comments about retiring but now it's like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders.”

Still, things were not destined to run smoothly for this particular pugilist. As many may know, he was due to face off against Anthony Hanna, a man who would give the youngster a workout, but a man who would not be expected to beat even a down Paul Economides. Then on Friday things changed. Hanna had pulled out and he was replaced by Shaun Doherty. Doherty had been out of action for over two years but his last appearance had seen him get a draw against future British title challenger Ross Burkinshaw. He had also lost a razor thin decision against Economides conqueror Stephen Russell. This man wasn't a comeback opponent, we were dealing with a class act here, just one who had moved away from the sport for a while. This was not lost on Economides.

“I didn't know anything about him. Steve Goodwin told me it was a good fight so I took it. Then I spoke to fellow Chester pro Gary Sheil who had seen him on a Stoke show a few years back when Doherty had taken Imran Khan's unbeaten record and nearly stopped him. He told me that he was far better than his record suggested and it got me thinking twice. I was already down for it though and I couldn't back out, it wouldn't have done me any favours. I'm so glad I took it, I weighed in at 9st 1 and I felt so strong.”

By the time the fight came Economides had that mixture of excitement and nerves. Still, the fight ended up going well for Paul.

“The first round I was nervous. I'm always nervous but so much more this time, so much pressure. He was controlling the distance and I could tell he was really good. The second round had me closing the gap and tiring him out with body shots, and three and four I won easily. I am confident that if it had gone six I would have got him out of there.”

So, redemption had come. Still, Economides had words for the man he feels helped him through this turbulent time in his career.

“I have to thank my trainer Steve. He has mentally prepared me as well as physically. He broke me down and built me back up again. He even told me that he new how good Doherty was, that he was an ABA finalist but he wanted me to beat someone good, he knew I could do it. He told me 'it's OK to tell a little white lie to your fighters every now and again!' I have a lot to thank him for.”

Economides also has lots of praise for his vanquished pro, who he only sees a good future for.

“Yes, he's really good, he will go far. I would be happy to fight him for a title in the future.”

So, what now does the future hold for Paul Economides. After all the ups and downs what is next on his agenda, any more talk of retirement?

“Not a chance, I said all those things when I was down. My head is now clear and I am thinking straight. I'm not going to start shouting names off but I would love to get a fight with Dai Davies for the Welsh crown. But first I am getting back in the gym, I will be sparring Jamie McKeever, with who I did a lot of good work before this fight. He has a bout due, he helped me so I will help him. I am going to get the DVD from my fight, I want to look at the weaknesses, I want to become an even better fighter and Steve can improve me. I'm just happy to be on the up again.”

That he is. They say the mark of a fighter is how well they come back from defeat, how they triumph over adversity. Paul Economides has seen into the abyss and has come out even stronger. There is a long way to go, but one suspects that that strength of character must once again label him as one to watch at the lower weights of British boxing.