Boxing: Chris Goodwin and Paul Economides win titles on night to remember in Chester

Oct 20 2011 Chester Chronicle

TWO fighters put Chester back on the boxing map with title-winning displays at a sold-out Northgate Arena on Saturday.

Chris Goodwin produced a classy performance to beat Geoffrey Munika and claim the International Masters lightweight belt – before Chester Boxers clubmate Paul Economides won an almighty clash with Shaun Doherty to be crowned the British Masters super-bantamweight champion.

Chester Boxers boss Steve Goodwin, who trains son Chris and Economides in his Hoole-based gym, said: “I am very proud of them both and it was a great night.

“Chris controlled his fight from start to finish and didn’t let Munika do what he wanted.

“Paul’s fight was one of the small hall fights of the year.”

There was controversy before Goodwin’s bout with Munika. The 37-year-old Kenyan weighed in an incredible four-and-a-half pounds over the limit and was told he would have to vacate his belt even if managed to beat his younger opponent.

But Goodwin, 22, of Great Barrow, remained unfazed and bullied the veteran over 10 rounds on his way to a 99-92 points success.

Then it was the turn of Connah’s Quay-based Economides to star.

The 24-year-old overcame defending champion Doherty 98-94 on points after a brutal 10-round battle that will live long in the memory of the 1,000-strong crowd.

Former Deva Police ABC light-middleweight Joe Lovell, 20, also featured on the Fight Options card. He beat Birmingham’s Andrew Patterson 40-36 on points to chalk up the second victory of his professional career.