BOXING: Bramford boxer Steve Spartacus has suffered a major blow to his British light-heavyweight title hopes.Injury has forced the 24-year-old – real name Smith – to pull out of his scheduled fight against Trevor Small of Birmingham, which was due to take place in Portsmouth on May 25.

BRAMFORD boxer Steve Spartacus has suffered a major blow to his British light-heavyweight title hopes.

Injury has forced the 24-year-old – real name Smith – to pull out of his scheduled fight against Trevor Small of Birmingham, which was due to take place in Portsmouth on May 25.

Spartacus, who boasts a 100 per cent record after nine professional bouts, revealed: "It was the decision of my manager, Tony Sims. I've never pulled out of a fight yet.

"But I've got no choice. I can't fight with one hand. I've been in full training since January and I was hoping for a pay day."

Spartacus has been KO'd by a displaced knucklebone, which has formed a lump on the back of his left hand.

"I've had specialist treatment in America, but I won't be fighting again until September," he said.

"The plan for the summer months is to generally relax. However, I have a trip to London in mid-July for training and I'm going to America in August, to put in some practice fights, probably in Chicago."

The injury occurred when he was sparring with Steve Potter, at the Hurstlea-Kerridge Club, Needham, under the supervision of coach Barry James.

"There's no pain really, boxers are used to pain," laughed Spartacus. "I don't care who I fight. I fight whoever, whenever.

"Everybody gets injuries. Just look at David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Kieron Dyer."

Spartacus continues to look for a major sponsor. He said: "A little help with petrol money would be great! At this stage of my career it's tough making a living."

During his amateur days Spartacus won Eastern Counties titles with the Hurstlea Club and the Arcade Club of Ipswich.

The Boxing News magazine, professional boxing's top publication, has been touting Spartacus as a British light-heavyweight contender, before the end of the year.

Spartacus has had his fair share of injury troubles and at the start of his professional career he needed laser treatment to his eyes to get his licence from the British Boxing Board of Control.

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