Matchroom Boxing: Spartacus Aims To Prove “Gladiator” Nickname

© Matchroom Sport

Steve Spartacus aims to prove he is a true gladiator by becoming Prizefighter Champion on Friday.

Spartacus, 32, is one of eight British light heavyweights in Barry Hearn’s next quick-fire Prizefighter tournament at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, London.

“I’m experienced, battle-hardened and been training for this since Christmas so I’ve got a good chance of winning,” said Ipswich-based Spartacus.

“Prizefighter is a brilliant competition so I’m really looking forward to it. I wish we could do this every week!

“It’s all-action, all on one night, great entertainment and a new concept which is good for boxing.

“Usually it takes me a few rounds to warm up but obviously now I have to get in and go ‘slam, bang’ in there.”

Although he has lost his last three, Spartacus has claimed 11 knockouts in 19 wins. He will be confident of claiming the £25,000 top prize in the bear-pit atmosphere of the York Hall.

Spartacus is one of the most colourful characters in British boxing and dresses up as a gladiator after a trip to a fortune teller gave him his name.

“I went to see a clairvoyant in Norfolk when I turned professional and she told me I was a gladiator in a past life,” said Spartacus.

“We had a bit of a giggle about it but then thought ‘that’s what we will do’.

“With a name like Steven Smith you have to have some way to stand out and Spartacus was a very popular gladiator legend so we took that name.

“I will be there at the York Hall with my shield and my chariot ready for war.

Four quarter-finals, two semi-finals and a final will take place in one thrilling night with each contest lasting a maximum of three rounds.

The draw has been kind to Spartacus as he has been paired with Oldham veteran Darren Stubbs, 37, and avoided hotly-tipped fighters Courtney Fry, Tony Oakey and Billy Boyle.

Spartacus admits beating Oakey in the final would be his dream scenario after losing a British title bout against the Hampshire man in May 2007.

“I like Tony as a person but it would be good for me to even the score and I owe him one,” said Spartacus.

“The winner of Prizefighter could get a shot at the British title so this is an excellent opportunity to kick-start my career.”

The Prizefighter contenders are Bob Ajisafe of Darlington, Billy Boyleof Sheffield, Shon Davies of Llanelli, Carl Dilks of Liverpool, Courtney Fry of Liverpool, Tony Oakey of Havant, Steve Spartacus of Ipswich and Darren Stubbs of Oldham.

The quarter-final line-up is Fry vs. Davies, Oakey vs. Boyle, Ajisafe vs. Dilks and Stubbs vs. Spartacus.

All tickets have been sold but all the action will be shown live on Sky Sports 1 from 9pm.