IPSWICH boxer Steve Spartacus is poised for an all-or-nothing comeback fight.Victory over Ghanaian super-middleweight champion Ayittey Powers tomorrow night will put him in line for a crack at the British title.

By Mel Henderson

IPSWICH boxer Steve Spartacus is poised for an all-or-nothing comeback fight.

Victory over Ghanaian super-middleweight champion Ayittey Powers tomorrow night will put him in line for a crack at the British title.

Spartacus, 29, has been out of action since February when he outpointed Karim Bennama over six rounds at the York Hall in Bethnal Green.

Tomorrow's fight goes ahead over eight rounds at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre in Dagenham, with the British lightweight title fight between champion Lee Meager and Norwich's Jon Thaxton topping the bill and scheduled for live coverage on Sky Sports.

Powers, who was originally lined up to face the Ipswich fighter's undefeated stable-mate, Darren Barker, has won 11 and drawn one of his 17 contests.

Spartacus said: “Powers looked hard as nails when I saw him on the box last month and I think he is capable of giving me a hard time.

“He took a fight against WBU middleweight champ Gary Lockett at quite short notice and was beaten on points, but it was helpful that I got a good look at him in that one.”

Spartacus, who has been beaten just twice in his 21 professional bouts, only recently returned from a holiday in Cuba.

He laughed: “It wasn't really the ideal preparation but I didn't overdo the Pina Coladas. I ran for at least an hour every day and I also did weights in the hotel gym.

“I didn't come back in too bad shape and by the time I climb into the ring on Friday I'll have had a good two weeks of intensive hard training under my belt.

“I am absolutely desperate to fight after being out for so long and there is a lot riding on this one. It is vital that I win if I am going to be made number one contender for the British title.

“If I lose, which I don't even want to think about, and that's out of the window. Powers will be a tough opponent and I might have to go the distance to win.”

Tickets are priced at £35 and can be ordered by calling 07801 580320 or by contacting Steve Young at Flare Recruitment, who sponsor Spartacus, on 01473 231108.