PAUL Economides believes his title fight in April represents crunch time in his career.

Economides, 27, who is trained by Steve Goodwin at Chester Boxers in Hoole, has fallen to defeat in his last two bouts and admits that he now finds himself in a ‘make or break’ situation.

Set to take on Hungarian number one David Kanales, 21, for the vacant WBF International super bantamweight title at the Northgate Arena on April 12, Economides knows he can ill-afford any more slip-ups.

“This fight really is make or break for me,” said Economides, whose nickname ‘Spartan’ owes to his Greek-Cypriot heritage.

“I’ve lost my last two fights now and I really don’t know where I can go in my career if I lose a third on the run. “It’s a huge fight for me and one that I know that I’ve got to win at all costs.

“I don’t know too much about the guy (Kanales) but I do know he’s Hungarian number one, but I’m certain that he won’t be the same standard as the British number one.”

Economides’ last bout against South African Michael Ramabeletsa at the Olympia, Liverpool, in December ended in defeat after he was forced to quit due to a cut on his left eye.

He also fell to a controversial defeat on points to Yorkshireman Gavin McDonnell, who contested the British bantamweight title last weekend, last April.

“The defeat to McDonnell hurt as I thought that I’d done enough to score the victory,” said Economides, from Connah’s Quay.

“It shows how thin the line between success and failure can be. He had a shot at the British title and I think ‘that could have been me’.

“The fight against the South African (Ramabeletsa) was different. He was a strong puncher and I got caught a bit when I was going for broke.

“I can’t feel sorry for myself though, I’ve got to put things right, starting with the fight in April.”

Economides is relishing being back in front of a noisy home crowd at the Northgate Arena, where he last appeared during a defeat to South Walian Dai Davies back in March 2012.

“As a boxer, there’s nothing better than fighting in front of a home crowd and having everyone cheering you on, it gives you a huge lift,” he said.

“There is no better place for me to put on a show and get back on track than there. I want to show the public what I can do.

“I’ve been training hard and it has been going really well. I’ve been flat out. I’m feeling good and I’m hungry to put things right. I can’t wait to get back out there.”