Toowoomba boxers up fight ante

BOXING: Toowoomba super lightweight Steve Spark has upped the ante for his upcoming world title shot as his date with destiny looms.

Spark will fight Mexican star Luis Ronaldo Castillo for the vacant IBF World Youth Super Lightweight Championship at Toowoomba’s Rumours International on March 9.

The 22-year-old will put his record of seven knock-out wins and one loss on the line against the 20-year-old Castillo who has moved his record to 19 victories — 15 by knockout — and one career loss.

Spark yesterday travelled with trainer Brendon Smith and Toowoomba heavyweight Herman Ene-Purcell to Brisbane where both fighters unwound in heavy sparring sessions at Steve Deller’s Fortitude Boxing.

Ene-Purcell is preparing for his March 9 Rumours meeting with Hunter Sam.

“Steve has been doing a lot of rounds here at home, but this session in Brisbane is a chance for a quality hit-out over eight or 10 rounds,” Smith said.

“Herman has another big fight coming up as well and he’ll be boxing rounds as he gets ready to take on Hunter Sam.

“We are in early discussions for a possible Australasian heavyweight championship bout for Herman with Will Nasio but Sam is the first hurdle he must clear.”

In other March 9 TGW & Smithy Bring The Big Fights 22 card news, 25 bouts have already been locked in for the annual City versus Country Brayd Smith Cup amateur card on the day-night program.