Boxing: Chester trio triumph in Stoke

Sep 19 2008 by Alec Doyle, Chester Chronicle

A HAT-TRICK of victories for Chester fighters in Stoke has strengthened the case for bringing professional boxing back to the city.

Chester ABC’s Omar Gumati, Chris Goodwin and Paul Economides all won their bouts at the Kings Hall in Stoke on Saturday.

Gumati, coming back from a break from the sport, was the first up, against Doncaster’s Peter Dunne.

The 23-year-old light middleweight from Blacon won easily on points, having forced his opponent to take a standing eight count during the contest.

Great Barrow fighter Goodwin was up next facing Birmingham’s Karl Taylor.

The 42-year-old Brummie light welterweight may not have had the movement of his 19-year-old rival, but his 135-fight experience, compared to Goodwin’s seven encounters, meant he almost swung the match in his favour.

Finally, the newest fighter in the Chester stable, 21-year-old Paul Economides, of Connah’s Quay, entered the ring for his third professional fight, against Peterborough slugger Tony McQuade, 20.

Both fighters really went for it but Economides won it on points.

Chester ABC is now in talks with the Staffordshire-based Impact Boxing to stage a show in Chester, either at the Racecourse or the Northgate Arena.

“It is not cheap putting on a show, but we are confident that the Chester public will want to turn out in force to see a night of boxing with local talent on show,” said Chester ABC coach Peter Buckley.