16.05.07 – Tony Oakey has warned opponent Steve Spartacus that he is in the shape of his career for their vacant British Light-Heavyweight Title showdown at ExCeL London in Docklands this Friday. The pair headline the Hennessy Sports ‘SENI:BOX’ promotion, the launch event for the three day seni07 Combat Sports Showcase that has been brought to the Capital for the very first time.
Portsmouth’s former Commonwealth champion Oakey was supposed to have fought former British champion Peter Oboh last month, only for the Londoner to pull out at the last minute.
Oboh was stripped of the belt and Oakey now gets his chance against Ipswich’s former English champion Spartacus.
Oakey has carried on training to ensure he is in top condition for the opportunity. He is looking to revive his career following a drugs ban and, as always, will be roared on by his loyal army of ‘Oakey Cokey” fans.
“I had prepared myself physically and mentally for Oboh, so when they called if off it was a shock. I thought they were joking,” said Oakey. “I was so fired up for it I thought they were winding me up and I was expecting Jeremy Beadle to pop up.
“I only took a few days out of the gym before carrying on training and then I heard I was fighting for the title anyway.
“I have been living in London for two months and trained in Tenerife to get me ready for Oboh. With the extra training since, I’m as ready as I have ever been for a fight. I’m even sharper now than I was for Oboh last month.
“This fight will open the British light-heavyweight scene up, because it has been a bit quiet recently as Oboh was inactive.
“I’m going to win this fight with Steve and then I can look forward to fighting Brian Magee or Peter Haymer, who I would love to fight again and put right that controversial defeat, (on points in 2005).
“This is the type of fight I need to be involved in. I can’t get up for six or eight round fights like I do for this. I perform better in big fights and against better opponents.”