Marcus Hunter Neill
Lady Portia di’Mante is ready for the ring when the kings and queens of beginner’s boxing belt it out at the Kings Hall.
The iconic fight venue will host the most glamorous white collar event yet when Lady Portia will be the mistress of ceremonies.
And the stunning drag queen will be practicing her pugilism too with a round in the ring, in full heels and sequins.
The charity event on May 2 is backed by Commonwealth boxing trainer Gerard McManus who will be preparing contenders in the City Centre gym.
He trains Lady Portia’s alter ego Marcus Hunter Neill, who agreed to be ringmaster under duress.
“Gerard got me in a moment of weakness while I was doing a push up to say yes,” admits Marcus.
The 32 year old says his family history is steeped in the sport – his father and grandfather were both boxers.
“My grandfather was a boxer in the Marines and my dad was in the lightweight class and fought here and in England.
“I never picked up the gene. I don’t know how to throw a punch, but I can skip,” says Marcus.
“And when you work as a drag queen you have to fight to the death every time you perform.”
He’ll fit boxing training around regular Saturday nights as Lady Portia in Maverick in Belfast as well as guest appearances wherever sequins and a razor sharp wit are needed.
Marcus, who also works for the Radio Ulster’s Arts Show and does an entertainment guide on Gerry Kelly’s Friday show, says compering the event will be a pleasure.
The boxing may prove a little more difficult but he’s already sorted his fight tactics.
“I’ll be in a short dress and heels – I couldn’t do it in flats with my calves. I’ll also have to get the head guard on over my three wigs – you always need volume and glamour.
“The ring will have four corners and I’ll be making us of them.
“Plus my party trick is cartwheeling in stilettoes so that might come in handy,” says Marcus.
The event is in aid of charity 100 Help the Homeless and organiser Gerard says all of the profits will help people on the streets.
Gerard, a professional boxing coach, will have the final say on the 30 competitors who will take part in the 15 fights.
“We’ll ease them in at the start and then it will be a real commitment coming closer to the big night on May 2.
To sign up for the White Collar Boxing event contact the City Centre Gym in the Frames Complex on 07526 551553.