Economides ready to give Turley some Spartan treatment

Fight night is nearly here. After all the weeks of preparation, we are just a day away from the big Welsh super-bantamweight title clash between Paul ‘Spartan’ Economides and Robbie Turley, a match which has got the principality’s boxing community rocking with excitement. BoxRec News was able to catch up with Economides (9-1) as he prepared for his night of destiny and found him bristling with excitement at what awaits him in Newport on Saturday night.

“I really can’t wait, Martin. I have had the best camp I have ever had. I mean that, everything has gone perfect. I prepared for seven weeks for the Doherty fight, we found out about this fight a few days before so we went straight into another seven week camp. I have counted and I have done about 105 rounds of sparring. I’m raring to go!”

It was only 14 months ago that Economides, born of a proud Greek-Cypriot heritage, seemed to have blown his big chance at getting into the big time. He was matched up against Scotsman and fellow unbeaten prospect Stephan Russell on the undercard of the Hatton-Ndou fight. This was his huge opportunity - win and he gets the Hatton contract. Sadly for Economides, and the rest of his Chester following, he was demolished in one round. No fame, no contract; thoughts of retirement even crossed his mind. It later came out that he had been struggling seriously at super-bantamweight and as well as a change of trainer (moving to Steve Goodwin’s blossoming gym) a move up in weight to feather was required. Now he returns to his previous weight and for many, questions arise as to the strength he will be carrying into the ring come fight night. For Paul however, there are no such worries.

“Last time I got the call to do super-bantam I was 10st 2lb. When I heard about this fight I was 9st 2lb, there was much less weight for me to lose. But the real difference is that I am now working with a top nutritionist. He does it for Welsh Olympic team, the Welsh rugby team and some other Welsh teams. He is controlling what goes into my body and has really helped me. Now I feel strong at the weight and come fight night I will be even bigger and even stronger.”

Facing him in the opposite corner will be Robbie Turley, master boxer and hometown favourite. Economides, one of the most likeable men in the sport, insists he has nothing but respect for his foe.

“He’s good, lovely boxer and very awkward. I have seen a couple of his fights, one when he was in ‘Prizefighter’ and another against Sid Razak which somebody posted onto my Facebook wall. Though I respect what he does, I know exactly what I have to do to beat him, but I won’t be discussing that here!”

One advantage Turley does have is the fact he is in his own back yard. This would be seen as a major disadvantage for many men, but the ‘Spartan’ has no qualms about having to travel.

“I have no problems at all, if anything it is less pressure on me. One thing is for sure is that if it is close then he will get the decision, we have seen that over and over again throughout boxing’s history. So I am going to go out there and make sure it isn’t close at all. I just know I have a job to do and I’m going to go out and do it.”

Those who have been following this fighter's coverage on BoxRec News will know that Robbie Turley stated in a previous interview that Economides would have to rely on landing a ‘lucky shot’ to come away with the title. Paul however has no wish to get involved in a war of words with his fellow combatant.

“I’m just going to do my talking in the ring. But let’s just say that I will be hitting him with plenty of lucky shots that night!”

So now the talking stops and the action is all set to begin. Someone is going to become the new champion of their proud nation. This is a privilege Paul Economides promises he would take very seriously.

“It would be an honour to become Welsh champ. I once promised someone that I would win this Welsh title and it would mean so much to them if I did it now. I’m going in to win this and I am coming out the winner.”

So here we go. The age old battle between fighter and boxer. One thing is for certain, this Spartan is ready for his own modern battle of Thermopylae, venturing, outnumbered into battle against a skilled and dangerous enemy. Still, when he enters the ring it will be one and one. And it would take a brave man to back against that warrior instinct seeing him through. Let battle commence.