Paul Economides vs Jason Cunningham on Freesports

[DHPromotions]

Dennis Hobson’s next show will be at the Doncaster Dome on June 16, live on Freesports (Freeview 95, Freesat 252, Sky 424, BT 95, Talk Talk 95).

Working in association with fellow Yorkshire promoter Stefy Bull, the card will be topped by hometown fighter Jason Cunningham, 23-5 (6), challenging Wales-based Paul Economides, 21-7 (5), for his Central Area Super Bantamweight Title.
The event was originally to be headlined by former pro footballer Curtis Woodhouse taking on John Wayne Hibbert, before a Hibbert injury forced a postponement to that contest. Despite the setback, Hobson is excited by the new main event and predicts a thrilling fight for fans in the venue, and those watching on TV.

“Jason is a seasoned pro,” said Hobson, who is currently at the IBF Convention in Italy alongside sponsor Steve Crump. “He’s a lovely lad, and a very capable fighter. He’s been Commonwealth champion previously (at featherweight and bantamweight]. So, it’s just about rebuilding himself again after he lost last time out against Jordan Gill.

“This fight is a big platform for him; it’s a real test, and not a walk in the park. Economides comes and has a go, styles make fights, and I’m pleased Stefy managed to pull this fight together. I really do think it’s a cracking top of the bill.
“Obviously, it was disappointing the Woodhouse and Hibbert fight fell through, but we’ve pulled out a good show topper to take its place. Jason won’t have to go looking for Economides, I’m looking forward to it, and this could easily have been an English title fight.”

Hobson - who has worked with a number of world champions including Ricky Hatton, Clinton Woods, Jamie McDonnell and Stuart Hall – teamed up with free-to-air broadcaster Freesports last year. The partnership has already produced some memorable nights of boxing, and the Sheffield-based promoter is looking forward to welcoming the TV cameras to Doncaster, and working more with Stefy Bull in the future.

“We’ve produced some great shows for Freesports already. When you think of the drama we’ve had with [Sam] Sheedy against [Liam] Cameron, Josh Wale and Bobby Jenkinson, and then the last show when Liam Cameron knocked out Nick Jenman. All those fights have been better than many you’ll see on the subscription channels.

“Stefy is a grafter, and that makes my job much easier. He’s on the ground, and realises what it takes to put some of these small hall shows on. He’s got the contacts, is a good matchmaker and knows what you need to make a good fight. It’s all starting to come together nicely in South Yorkshire, we’re putting a few shows together, me and Stefy. We’ll attract some new signings and see where we go with it. We’ve had world champions together, so who knows what we can create.”

“I’m very excited this show is on Freesports,” reiterated Stefy. “I’ve worked with Dennis over the years, going back to the Jamie McDonnell days. We’ve got lots of ideas and it makes sense we work together; it’s exciting times ahead.”

Dennis Hobson Promotions, in association with Stefy Bull Promotions, presents Paul Economides defending his Central Area Super Bantamweight Title against Jason Cunningham at the Doncaster Dome on June 16. The show will be broadcast live on Freesports.

For ticket information contact 07976 328 015.

[Stuarty]

Decent little 'trade fight' Will definitely be tuning in...

[Ruthless-RKO]

I see Dave Allen on the card too.

Shame it's on the same night as the Newcastle card.

[DHPromotions]

Jason Cunningham, 23-5 (6), is convinced he would have stopped touted star Jordan Gill if there had been just one more round in their fight in February.

Cunningham faces Wales-based Paul Economides for the Central Area Super Bantamweight Title on June 16 in his hometown, at the Doncaster Dome. The battle is live on Freesports (Freeview 95, Freesat 252, Sky 422, BT 95, Talk Talk 95) and Jason is hoping for better luck than in his fight with Gill.

The pair clashed at Manchester’s Victoria Warehouse, with Cambridgeshire’s Gill undefeated in eighteen fights and being hailed as one of the UK’s next big boxing prospects. Despite being over early, Cunningham weathered the storm and had Gill out on his feet in the final tenth round, only for the bell to end proceedings.

“One hundred per cent, I'd have got him out of there,” said Jason, who is a former two-weight Commonwealth champion at bantamweight and featherweight. “And he knows deep down that another round and I'd have finished him.

“Don’t get me wrong, I was very impressed with him, he boxed really well but, over the championship distance of 12 rounds, I would have definitely stopped him.

“I was gutted afterwards because he was clearly gone and it just didn’t happen for me, but it's all a learning curve. I don’t regret taking the fight though because I've always taken risks. Sometimes they pay off, sometimes they don’t, but I'll be a champion again.”

Jason is determined to campaign now at his natural weight - super bantamweight - revealing he only fought at featherweight after accepting a title offer too good to refuse. The 28-year-old, who was an ABA champion, is aiming to break records by eventually holding the Commonwealth Title at three different weights; and beating Economides would be the first step towards that dream.

“I moved up to featherweight because we got an opportunity at the Commonwealth Title against Ben Jones, so I obviously jumped at that. I went down there [York Hall, London] as the away fighter and upset the odds by beating him. So, I ended up at featherweight with that title but, ideally, super bantamweight is my weight and I'll have more success there than in any other division.

“I’m not looking past anybody, not past Economides, but I would like to make history by winning the Commonwealth Title in three different weight classes. I absolutely can’t wait to appear on Freesports. This will be my third TV fight in a row and this one is in my home town. To finally have TV coverage in Doncaster is going to be very special, and I want to put on a performance for everybody.”

Dennis Hobson Promotions, in association with Stefy Bull Promotions, presents Paul Economides defending his Central Area Super Bantamweight Title against Jason Cunningham at the Doncaster Dome on June 16. The show will be broadcast live on Freesports.

For ticket information contact 07976 328 015.

[thepocketrocket]

This should be a cracker....

My gut says Economides wins....Cunningham up and down the weights like a yo-yo and last time this fight was on I heard he couldn't make SB. If that is true , then the pressure Paul brings breaks him.

Both nice guys so hopefully they all end up safe.

[handsofstone]

I don't get Freesports coz Virgin have still got their finger up their arse so I'm hoping the fights on youtube sunday morning because it should be a great wee tussle, Cunningham was bossing Bellotti before getting KO'd amd he was actually starting to bust Bellotti up, he's a tidy southpaw and looked big at Featherweight


I remember Economides being a prospect a couple of years back but he's had a win some lose some career, been in with some good domestic fighters though like Gavin McDonnell , Cunningham has the experience in this one though and I think size as well, he's a 2 weight Commonwealth champ and has the better pro pedigree, I think he outpoints Economides but it should be closely fought all the way through

[thepocketrocket]

I don't get Freesports coz Virgin have still got their finger up their arse so I'm hoping the fights on youtube sunday morning because it should be a great wee tussle, Cunningham was bossing Bellotti before getting KO'd amd he was actually starting to bust Bellotti up, he's a tidy southpaw and looked big at Featherweight


I remember Economides being a prospect a couple of years back but he's had a win some lose some career, been in with some good domestic fighters though like Gavin McDonnell , Cunningham has the experience in this one though and I think size as well, he's a 2 weight Commonwealth champ and has the better pro pedigree, I think he outpoints Economides but it should be closely fought all the way through

This is the point for me...he looked big at feather...how he copes down at SB I have no idea.

The McDonnell fight fight was a cracker. Scores ranged ringside from Economides by one to Gav by two....the only people in the building who thought that was wide were the judges, but on a non televised show in Doncaster I am not going to act shocked.

[DHPromotions]

Jason Cunningham is predicting great viewing for Freesports viewers (Freeview 95, Freesat 252, Sky 422, BT 95, Talk Talk 95) when he clashes with Paul Economides on Saturday June 16.

Cunningham gets home advantage when he challenges Economides, 21-7 (5), for his Central Area Super Bantamweight Title at the Doncaster Dome, and says the pair’s all-action styles will prove a potent mix.

A former Commonwealth champion at bantamweight and featherweight, Jason has his sights set on a tilt at the super bantamweight version of the belt, meaning he would be the first boxer to hold the Commonwealth Title at three different weights.

First, the 28-year-old has to negotiate Economides, and he is quick to assert that he isn’t looking past his Wales-based opponent. Cunningham, 23-5 (6), was to have met Saturday’s foe previously, so already knows a bit about him. He is expecting a tough, hard encounter but is confident his boxing ability will carry him through.

“I've seen bits of him,” said the former ABA Champion. “I was actually due to fight him before the Jordan Gill fight, so had a look at him then. I don't go into my opponents too much anyway, so had one look and that was enough for me.

“He's a come forward fighter, and he'll be there all night. We've got a perfect game plan and I'm prepared; I'll stick to my boxing and get the job done. I really do believe it should be a great fight to watch because we both give a good fight, and I know I won’t have to go searching for him.

“I'm really looking forward to this fight, and I’m really pleased it’s in my home town and live on TV. Super bantamweight is my real weight. Obviously, I have to get Paul out of the way first but I want to go onto bigger and better things at this weight.

“I would love to win the Commonwealth Title at three different weights. No fighter has ever done it, and that’s been confirmed by Simon Block from the Commonwealth Boxing Council. So that’s my next goal.

“I'm definitely not looking past Paul, I have to take care of him, but that’s my aim. The reigning Commonwealth champion at super bantamweight is Ashley Lane who I've already beaten, and I'm confident I'd beat him again.

“I'm also very grateful to Stefy Bull and Dennis Hobson for getting me this opportunity. I've always wanted to thank Dennis personally because my first Commonwealth Title wouldn't have come around if it weren’t for him. So, a massive thank you to both of them, and I can’t wait for Saturday.”

Dennis Hobson Promotions, in association with Stefy Bull Promotions, presents Paul Economides defending his Central Area Super Bantamweight Title against Jason Cunningham at the Doncaster Dome on June 16. The show will be broadcast live on Freesports. For ticket information contact 07976 328 015.

[DHPromotions]

Just a quick reminder that the Central Area Super Bantamweight Title fight between Paul Economides and Jason Cunningham from the Doncaster Dome will be shown live and free tomorrow night (June 16) on Freesports (Freeview 95, Freesat 252, Sky 422, BT 95, Talk Talk 95).

[ILikeBeer]

Should be able to get this on my Freeview telly in my bedroom.

As said about, Virgin don't have it.

[dhb-raging bull]

Anyone watching

[rubberneck]

Yes, been watching. Been some good scraps on the card. Far better than the dog turd served up on the Dave channel last night.

[dhb-raging bull]

Main event been a good fight?

[rubberneck]

Yep. Pretty close contest. Cunningham edging the rounds. Probably 4-2 after 6 rounds to Cunningham. A good fair scrap that’s good to watch. No pissing about, no showboating, just two good pros grafting.

[dhb-raging bull]

Brilliant these freesports fights need to kick off never watched a bad fight on them yet got it on record will watch in morning

[rubberneck]

I won’t tell you the result then
It’s a very good fight. The 9th round is like a Poundland version of the first Gatti-Ward fight. I don’t mean any disrespect by that but I’m sure you’ll get what I mean.

[thepocketrocket]

Was pretty gutted at the result with Paul losing by one round, BUT it is a fight I am sure the fans would want to see again.

Great it was on TV and people could actually see it...love the Poundland Gatti v Ward round 9 comment...I get exactly what he means.

[handsofstone]

Great fight I had Economides winning 96-94 but it was close no qualms with Cunningham getting it, he boxed better as the fight progressed, Economides was right in his face and started strong, nailing Cunningham with some pretty solid shots to the head and body but Cunningham started to use his legs and his reach and box Economides and I thought he pulled away I had Economides nicking the last round but Ive had a couple of drinks and I was surprised I had him winning, good wee tussle though