Heavyweights ready to battle for WBC Australasian title

WBC Australasian heavyweight title on the line in Toowoomba

TITLE RIVALS: Joe Goodall and Herman Ene-Purcell will fight for the WBC Australasian heavyweight title on Saturday. Picture: Tanner Smith

BOXING: The WBC Australasia heavyweight title will go to the winner, but at the TGW and Smithy’s The Big Fights 27 launch there was none of the posturing or grandstanding one would expect.

Instead the two fighters – Joe Goodall and Toowoomba’s Herman Ene-Purcell – were reserved and respectful.

Both boxers know a lot is on the line and the title will be decided by hearts and hands inside the ring not outside it.

“It’s all or nothing for me, the last roll of the dice,” Joe Goodall said.

“This is the biggest fight of my career.

“He (Ene-Purcell) is a tough opponent that’s for sure.

“I’ve watched some of his fights with Paul Gallen and others.

“He’s definitely a tough boy and we’re fighting for the WBC Australasian title – this fight is no joke.

“I’ve had a big training camp and I come into this fight with no excuses. I’m looking to box well and win this title.”

Goodall, who won a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and bronze at the 2017 World Championships, enters the fight full of confidence but wary.

“You have to focus on yourself first and foremost,” he said.

“Anyone in the heavyweight division can punch, Herman especially is a big puncher because he’s a big lad.

“He’s got a good left hook and a big uppercut, that left hand is something to watch out for.”

Ene-Purcell is equally wary of his opponent.

“Professionally I have more experience, but he’s had a great amateur career,” Ene-Purcell said.

“He’s going to be a tough opponent, probably the toughest opponent I have ever faced.

“It’s going to be business as usual for me.

“I’ve been training hard and I’m well prepared.

“It’s a special belt on a special night (to honour Brayd Smith) and I’m confident I can get the win.”

The fight night will also include the increasingly popular ETU Cup.

Tradies from across the state will square off to raise funds for worthy causes.