China welcome mat
Herman to tackle RSA rival
TOOWOOMBA boxing will be back on the world stage in December when heavyweight Herman Ene-Purcell returns to the ring in China.
The Herminator’s” growing popularity with international promoters and fans sees him return to China for a third bout where he’ll meet South African Joshua Pretorious on December 20.
Ene-Purcell will turn 25 years of age while in China for what will be his 25th pro fight for 16 wins including eight knockout victories.
Ene-Purcell is the reigning Australasian heavyweight champion after defeating Will Nasio for the belt in Toowoomba on July 13.
At his latest fight, EnePurcell scored a unanimous points win over Kiwi Viliamu Motusaga in New Zealand where the Samoan-born fighter is building a growing fan base.
Trainer-promoter Brendon Smith said while titles, including the Australian or at regional level, remain EnePurcell’s ultimate goal his international popularity continues to rise.
“Herman is a popular fighter in four countries, Australia, New Zealand, China and Samoa,” Smith said.
“They want him back in New Zealand and that has become another strong outlet for Herman.
“But he’s also very popular in China where we have a great association with promoter Liu Gang
“Herman has fought in front of 18,000 people there previously and we have a verbal agreement to return to China on December 20 when he’ll meet a tough South African, Joshua Pretorius.
“Herman returned to training yesterday after what was a perfect fight for him in New Zealand after his title win over Will Nasio.
“We are chasing international experience for him on the world stage and the Pretorius fight will be shown live to over 90 million people in China and other cities.
“We are looking forward to big things ahead for him but first of all he has to get past this tough South African who can punch.
“This is an exciting time for Herman.”
Meanwhile Ene-Purcell’s fellow TGW & Smithy’s Gym team member Brent Morroe fell just short in his Queensland middleweight title bout with Matthew Hartmann.
It was the third time the two fighters had met with Hartmann retaining his belt in a majority points decision.