Ene-Purcell eager to dethrone King Afa
BOXING: Toowoomba heavyweight Herman Ene-Purcell continues his title push when he takes on New Zealand-based Samoan King Afa Tatupu at Rumours International on March 11.
King Afa is a former New Zealand heavyweight champion — losing that belt to current world champion Joseph Parker.
“King Afa gave Joseph Parker a real test,” Ene-Purcell’s manager Brendon Smith said.
“Whilst Parker recorded a knock-out victory in the second round, he had to work hard for his win and King Afa actually cut Parker in the opening round.
“King Afa is a march forward fighter who throws a lot of punches and is all action which is evidenced in the footage of his bout with Parker.
“The mere fact he was in the same ring as Parker speaks volumes of the fighter he is.
“It took a world champion to dethrone him of his national title.”
It looms as another significant challenge for Ene-Purcell who capped off a busy 2016 with four wins from five bouts including wins in New Zealand and China.
He proved he’s on track
I need to win this fight.
— Herman Ene-Purcell
for an Australian title shot defeating Justin Whitehead in October, who at the time was ranked number two by the ANBF.
Ene-Purcell’s performances have seen him move to number five in the ANBF ratings, number three in the OPBF rankings and he qualified for the World Youth title.
“2016 was very rewarding and we’re now in a good position to challenge for some titles in 2017,” Ene-Purcell said.
“But I need to keep building in 2017 and it starts with King Afa. If I want to win titles these are the fights I need to win.
“There is also plenty of Samoan pride on the line in this one. King Afa is a parochial Samoan. So am I.
“There will be a deep respect for each other, but a burning desire to score a victory. There’s a lot at stake here.”
“I need to win this fight.”