'Stone' crushes Grimsley
-wins WBC Latin American crown
By Steve Ninvalle
Stabroek News
September 28, 2002
Guyana's heavyweight strongman Andre 'Stone' Purlett moved a step closer to his dream when he knocked out American Crawford Grimsley in the third round, to win the vacant World Boxing Council Latin American heavyweight title.
The fight was held in the Czech Republic recently. Grimsley surprised the Guyanese by decking him in the first round. However, Purlett took the mandatory eight count and returned to dominate his opponent to secure his 35th victory in 36 fights.
A barrage of punches forced the referee to call a halt to the fight with 30 seconds left in the round," the hard-hitting Purlett said when contacted by Stabroek Sport.
It is the second belt Purlett has won in 18 months. "I now have another belt. This one is cute," Purlett, once the holder of the North American Boxing Organisation heavyweight title said from Florida yesterday.
The recent victory puts Purlett in line to be included in the WBC top 20 heavyweight. "I went off after my first defeat but this win has brought me back on track. We'll be taking it one at a time."
Purlett, who will turn 29 on November 4 took two weeks off and returned to the gym on Thursday. He said that he expects at least one more fight in 2002.