Heavyweight contender Andre `Stone' Purlette's quest to become Guyana's second world champion suffered a setback when he was knocked out by Cuban Eliecer Castillo on Friday night in Miami, United States.

Purlette, previously unbeaten, lasted only five rounds before he was decked for the full count at 2:58 of the round to suffer his first defeat in 33 fights.

The Miami-based Purlette chose to indulge in a slug-out with the Cuban who proved too powerful, sending him to the canvas once before the final knockout.

Fightnews website reported that Purlette went down from an apparent slip early in the said round and got up quickly before another toe to toe battle ended with the Guyanese going down to a combination of body punches.

Purlette who had posted an impressive record of 32 wins prior to Friday night will now have to regroup and learn from his experience with the formidable United States-based Cuban whose record has now improved to 22 wins, two draws and two losses.

Purlette's previous wins included a knockout over well known American Jimmy Thunder.

Himself and fellow heavy man cruiserweight Wayne Braithwaite are considered two of the best prospects to win Guyana's second world title after Andrew `Sixhead' Lewis made history in February last year.

Braithwaite is ranked number one by the World Boxing Council.

In the main bout of the ESPN 2 televised card, another Cuban Diobelyis Hurtado claimed the International Boxing Association (IBA) junior welterweight title with a unanimous points decision over Ricky Quiles of the United States.

The card, staged at the American Airlines Arena and was promoted by Sugar Ray Leonard, who was on hand at ringside chatting with fans and posing for pictures while signing autographs.

Also in attendance was world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis.