Guyana’s heavyweight `strongman’ Andre `Stone’ Purlette has rated Tuesday’s fight against Lionel Butler as one of his toughest fights since travelling to the USA over six years ago.

Outweighed by over 60 pounds, Purlette recovered after being hurt in the opening round to drop Butler three times in the second round.

The fight was stopped at one minute, 57 seconds of the second stanza at the Level Night Club in Miami Beach.

The fight was televised live on ESPN2 and was the Guyanese’s second victory since he secured the service of legendary trainer Emmanuel Stewart.

“I rate it as one of my toughest fights. I weighed 215 pounds and he weighed 280. Sometimes people look at my size and underestimate me. They underestimate my punching power. I was hurt in the first round. He caught me with a good shot. In fact, 280 pounds catching anyone would be a good shot.”

Purlette moved to Stewart after losing to Jeremy Williams on June 10 and found instant success when he bounced back to stop Ron Guerreia in the first round of an August 2 fight.

“This is a new beginning for Andre Purlette. My career is finally going places. Emmanuel has made a great difference.

“It’s all about having the right people around you. After I lost to Williams I spoke to Emmanuel and he said that I should have won the fight. He said that I could have knocked out Williams. I asked him if he would train me and he said to come down to Detroit. I have been at the Kronx Gym since then,” Purlette disclosed.

“Emmanuel said that we would have two more fights this year then it would be on to the top 10 fighters. He just wants to get me a little more sharp and I’ll be ready,” the twice-defeated boxer said.

Purlette’s record has improved to 36 victories against two defeats. He has 34 knockouts.