14.05.07 – Modern day gladiator Spartacus has promised to open the ‘seni07 Combat Sports Show’ being staged at ExCeL London in Docklands this weekend in style. The 30-year-old from Ipswich meets Portsmouth’s Tony Oakey this Friday for the vacant British Light Heavyweight Championship on the Hennessy Sports ‘SENI:BOX’ promotion, the launch event of the three-day showcase of Combat Sports, Martial Arts and Extreme Fitness.
The pair headline the Sky Sports covered bill that will take place in the 3500-seater purpose built ‘TOE 2 TOE’ tiered arena. The undercard will feature a raft of local talent, including Lenny Daws, Peter Haymer, Matthew Thirlwall, David Walker, Dave Stewart, George Hillyard and Mickey Steeds.
Spartacus is a born entertainer. After an interesting experience several years ago he took on the name of the famous Gladiator-Slave, played by Kirk Douglas in a sixties blockbuster, and has lived up to the moniker ever since, even in the rare defeats he has suffered.
“I went to a medium in Norfolk when I was about to turn professional and she told me I was a successful ancient warrior in a past life,” he explained. “I had to change my name at the time because there were four Steve Smiths boxing in Britain back then.
“Spartacus fitted the bill perfectly. It has got me some attention and is a bit of a laugh – I was a guest on ‘They Think It’s All Over’ – but the ring walks do help to create a bit of drama, particularly on a big night like Friday.”
Throughout his 18-3 (10) professional career the Tony Sims trained fighter has donned full battle regalia for his march to the ring. Friday will be no exception.
“We’re really going to push the boat out for this one,” added Spartacus, who was also an English champion in a past life. “I always wear the complete outfit and next Friday will be the same, but as I have got my dream of challenging for the British Title I’m going to make this one a bit special.
“It’ll be worth waiting for. I’m trying to get my team in the gear as well so they can walk out with me, but my trainer Tony Sims is dragging his heels a bit at the moment. I’ll work on him though; I’ll make sure he knows that he will never hear the last of it if he doesn’t come through.
“It gets a brilliant atmosphere started, especially when the music kicks. My lot are a noisy bunch anyway, but this really helps get them going which is a big lift to me.”
Other events taking place over the weekend in the ‘TOE 2 TOE’ Arena include an ABA Amateur Boxing Challenge, an ‘Octagon Girl’ competition and ‘Pain and Glory,’ which brings several top international fighters together across a mix of disciplines.
Tournaments, however, are just one component of seni07. A 12,000 square metre adjacent exhibition area will house a cutting edge expo dedicated to the fighting arts throughout the Saturday and Sunday.
As the industry’s annual acknowledged meeting place, seni gives you the opportunity to discover the people behind the latest products, try goods before you buy, and witness the hundreds of displays and demonstrations by exhibitors across five themed show zones: Classical Warrior, Fightsport, Survival, Tournament and Olympic Youth.
Tickets for SENI:BOX, priced £30, £40 and £75 are available on 0870 060 1795. For the latest bill please visit www.HennessySports.com. For more information on seni07 please visit www.seni.tv.