Paul Economides is happy to step up and assume headline billing after Roy Jones Jnr’s surprise withdrawal from a show involving the Chester-based fighter this weekend.
American legend Jones Jnr was set to fight Tony Moran at Aintree Equestrian Centre on Saturday, with Economides’ fight with Ghana’s Prosper Ankrah for the WBF Intercontinental super bantamweight belt next on the card.
But the former four-weight world champion failed to catch his scheduled fight to the UK, forcing promoter Stephen Vaughan to move the show to the Olympia in Liverpool and promote 28-year-old Economides to the top of the bill.
And while disappointed at Jones Jnr’s no-show this weekend and the impact it has had on ticket sales, Economides isn’t overly concerned with matters beyond his control, instead focusing on adding another win to his professional record.
“I was disappointed at first as it was a chance to be on the same bill as a legend but, at the end of the day, he wasn’t my fight and it doesn’t impact on me personally,” said Economides, who trains at the Chester Boxers gym.
“This training camp I have just done is the best one I have ever had. I feel sharper than I ever have and all I am concerned about is making sure that I beat Ankrah this weekend. It doesn’t matter what the venue is.
“There will still be some TV coverage of it, which I was slightly worried might not happen with Roy Jones Jnr pulling out. That kind of exposure will be great for me.”
Economides, who has made no secret of his desire to step into the ring with other British talent in his division such as Lewis Pettitt and Jazza Dickens, is not underestimating the challenge that awaits him in the form of Ankrah.
The man from Accra has a winning 24-5 record and stepped into the ring with IBF world super bantamweight champion Carl Frampton in 2012, where he was beaten in the second round.
“It’s going to be a good step up for me as he is no mug,” said Economides, who is from Connah's Quay but now lives in Vicars Cross.
“It will push me in the right direction and I’m really excited for it. It will be a tough fight but I’ve prepared fully for it and I’m ready for the challenge.
“I need to keep on pushing at this stage of my career if I’m going to make my mark and get the fights I want. I’m feeling better than I ever have.
“I’m just raring to go now to get in that ring and get it done on Saturday night. I can’t wait.”
