BOXING: Boxing ace Steve Spartacus jets Stateside today. The unbeaten Ipswich-based light-heavyweight is heading for Chicago and a week's intensive training at the renowned Windy City Gym.

BOXING ace Steve Spartacus jets Stateside today.

The unbeaten Ipswich-based light-heavyweight is heading for Chicago and a week's intensive training at the renowned Windy City Gym.

The 24-year-old, with a 100 per cent record in nine bouts since turning professional, said: "This is a big step in the right direction for me.

"The way I look at it, this is going to help my education in the sport. I'm going to do some serious learning and I can't wait to get started."

Spartacus, who outpointed Midlands area champion Darren Ashton earlier this month at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, expects to return there on March 2, although his opponent has not yet been named.

During his time in Chicago he will be sparring with a host of top fighters, among them Angel Manfredy, who needs little introduction to boxing aficionados.

Manfredy, who has taken on and beaten some of the biggest names at lightweight and junior lightweight levels, was previously known as El Diablo.

But although his body is still covered in tattoos, he no longer enters the ring wearing a red devil mask. Instead his trunks sport the message 'Got Jesus' after he decided to give his life to Christ.

Spartacus added: "I'm not going to be training and working with such a top fighter as Manfredy without learning a lot.

"Mind you, they'll see me as the new kid in town and use me as target practice. They'll be trying to beat me up!"

This will be Spartacus' first-ever visit to the United States, but he is adamant it won't be his last.

He said: "I am now ranked in the top ten in Britain and my people have some good contacts in the States. My aim is to get a fight or two out there.

"But that's in the future. I'm still learning and this trip is all about coming back a more knowledgeable boxer."

Spartacus is also grateful for the backing of the Ipswich branch of well-known plumbing and heating merchants, Essex Plumbase, who are funding his trip.

Branch boss Glen Seaman said: "We decided to help him because we would like him to realise his potential.

"Anyone with genuine sporting ability needs a bit of backing, otherwise we'll never know how good they are."

Spartacus added: "Essex Plumbase have shown faith in me and I mean to repay them by bringing the British title back to Ipswich one day."