‘Stone’ rolls on Sept 7
By Steve Ninvalle
Stabroek News
August 6, 2002
Guyana’s lone heavyweight boxing world title hopeful Andre `Stone’ Purlette will be seeking his second victory this year when he fights American Crawford Grimsley on September 7.
The fight will be held in Russia and will be for the vacant World Boxing Association FECARBOX heavyweight title.
Purlette, who will turn 29 on November 4 said that he was inclined to take the fight since the winner would be rated by the WBA.
Speaking with Stabroek Sport from his home in Florida the North American Boxing Federation heavyweight champion said that he will have one more fight after defeating Crawford.
“My preparation for this fight is coming along pretty good. I plan signing with a new promotional group called Top Ten and have one more fight for the year.
After racking up an impressive record Purlette suffered his first defeat on January 4 this year when he was knocked out by Cuban Eliecer Castillo in the fifth round.
“I’m a much changed fighter since that defeat,” Purlette said. The loss ended a 31-fight winning streak. The hard-hitting Guyanese returned on May 24 to knockout Joseph Lenhart in round five.
“I’ll be taking it one day at a time. When I get over Grimsley then I’ll focus on other things. I’m ready, I’m prepared and I’m waiting.”
Purlette has won 33 of 34 fights with 31 victories by knockout.