Herman looking to make a big hit in 2020

BOXING: Herman Ene-Purcell had plenty to celebrate in the ring during 2019, but it’s the next 12 months that will shape the Toowoomba heavyweight’s career destiny.

Ene-Purcell ended last year with three crucial victories to boost his 24-fight record to 16 wins including a historic Queensland heavyweight championship success.

Ene-Purcell became the first Toowoomba-based boxer to win the Queensland championship with his victory over arch rival Will Nasio at Rumours International in July.

But Ene-Purcell’s success has only led to bigger challenges ahead, and the 25-yearold couldn’t be happier.

Ene-Purcell and his trainermanager Brendon Smith are ready to up the stakes in 2020 with a potential blockbuster bout awaiting him in March.

Smith is currently in negotiations to secure a March 14 title fight for Ene-Purcell at Rumours with experienced Sydney powerhouse Bowie Tupou.

“Herman has had success at Queensland and Australasian level,” Smith said this week.

“Now we want to move to the regional stage.

“Herman will fight the main event on our March 14 show and we want it to be against Bowie Tupou.

“I’ve been in talks with the WBC, IBF, WBO and WBA about possible opponents for Herman, and we’ve put in an offer to fight Tupou for his Asia heavyweight belt.”

The 189-centimetre Tupou has a record of 28 wins – with 20 by knockout – and six losses.

“I know Tupou well,” Smith said.

“He’s had a lot of fights in the States. He’s a very big man and heavy handed.

“But it’s the fight Herman wants.

“He’s aware of the enormity of the challenge, but he wants to go after it in 2020.”