Toowoomba boxer lands brutal KO shot after three years out of ring

Three and a half years after hanging up his gloves boxer Herman Ene-Purcell has returned to the ring in brutal fashion – securing a knockout win with one shot. Check out the devastating blow.

For the past six months Herman Ene-Purcell has thrown every combination imaginable.

He pounded the heavy bag, worked the speed ball and honed in on the mitts of his trainer Brendon Smith as he prepared for his boxing return three years after hanging up his gloves.

The Toowoomba heavyweight however only needed one shot to send a clear warning to his rivals.

With one brutal left hook Ene-Purcell knocked out Thailand’s Tanapat Vibulsuk just five seconds into their bout.

“To be honest after being out of the game for three years I would have liked some more time in the ring,” Ene-Purcell said.

“You don’t go out looking for a knockout but the shot was there so I took it and got the win.”

Before his Bangkok showdown last week, Purcell last fought on March 27, 2021 which resulted in a TKO loss to Joseph Goodall.

Ene-Purcell, who has fought Paul Gallen twice including the NRL legend’s debut fight, retired shortly after his loss to Goodall.

The now 29-year-old then turned his attention to his “other love” - rugby league.

‘The Herminator’ enjoyed two seasons at the helm of Oakey Bears, coaching the Toowoomba Rugby League club’s A-grade men’s team.

Toowoomba's Herman Ene-Purcell (right) celebrates his knockout win against Tanapat Vibulsuk.

“I’d been boxing for eight years when I decided to hang it up,” Ene-Purcell said.

“I enjoyed coaching but it probably dragged on a little longer than I expected or planned.

“The three years was a really good refresh for me and a (boxing) comeback was always on the cards.

“I had some unfinished business and I’m ready to prove to people exactly what I’m capable of.

“The plan now is another fight in the next six to eight weeks.

“I don’t know who that will be but I’ll take anyone Smithy (Brendon Smith) throws at me.”

Smith, whose contact book includes legendary fighter and boxing promoter Oscar De La Hoya, said he would leave no stone unturned in his bid to find Purcell’s next opponent.

With the demand for high calibre combat sports on the rise in Saudi Arabia – Ene-Purcell and Smith could even venture as far as the Middle East.

“The plan for Herman was always about activity, lots of activity, once we got him back in the ring” Smith said.

“As long as he’s healthy we want in the ring as much as possible for the next little while.

“He’s passionate, committed, ready and I think he is the most heavy-handed fighter in the division and he’s ready to fight anyone.

“There are a lot of exciting opportunities out there for him and we will look at them all.

“You only have to look at what is going on in places like Saudi Arabia right now, boxing is really taking off, and that is a real possibility in the future.”

Originally published as Toowoomba boxer lands brutal KO shot after three years out of ring