Boxing: Jason Cunningham set for Area title fight at The Dome

The Woodlands fighter will face champion Paul Economides in the headline bout on June 16.

Victory would see Cunningham claim a title at a third different weight after previously holding Commonwealth championships at bantamweight and featherweight.

The 28-year-old is looking to avoid a third straight defeat having been beaten by highly rated prospects Reece Bellotti and Jordan Gill in his two previous contests.

Economides – a previous opponent of Gavin McDonnell – won the Central Area title last October in Barnsley with a stoppage of Artif Ali.

The televised June 16 card was due to be headlined by a long-awaited clash between Curtis Woodhouse and John Wayne Hibbert but the latter has pulled out due to injury.

Dennis Hobson – who is promoting the show alongside Dome stalwart Stefy Bull – expects the Cunningham-Economides clash will be a worth substitute.

He said: “Jason is a seasoned pro. He’s a lovely lad, and a very capable fighter.

“He’s been Commonwealth champion previously 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.”