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Philippines, 12 Feb 2026 |
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Ene-Purcell vs Fujimoto locked in for May 8 in Japan for the OPBF title PhilBoxing.com Thu, 06 Apr 2017  TOOWOOMBA'S RISING HEAVYWEIGHT HERMAN ENE-PURCELL has a challenge the size of Mount Fuji in front of him on May 8 in Tokyo when he faces current OPBF Champion Kutara Fujimoto. It presents ENE-Purcell with the biggest opportunity for his career. On the back of five consecutive victories Ene-Purcell has moved to the number one contender position for Fujimoto's title. Last week Fujimoto's camp reached out to the Hermanator's camp to begin negotiations and today a deal was signed. "The ink is barely dry, but I can confirm it's. done deal - Herman Ene - Purcell vs Kyotara Fujimoto on May 8 in Tokyo," Ene - Purcell's Manager Brendon Smith said. "This opportunity has come about from all the hard work Herman has put in over the last few years. "Everything was building to a moment like this. "Now it's about seizing the moment, making the most of it and winnng the OPBF title. "This fight will be a major sporting event in Tokyo so it's fantastic exposure not only for Herman but also for Smithy's TGW Gym, TGW & Smithy's Promotions and of course our home city of Toowoomba." Fujimoto is 16-1 with 8 KO's and is not only the OPBF heavyweight champion he's also the Japanese National heavyweight title holder. The OPBF heavyweight title is steeped in history. Prior to Fujimoto winning the belt, Joseph Parker was the title holder before going on to win the WBO World title. "This belt is highly regarded and it's an honour to be ranked so highly in the OPBF," Ene-Purcell. "It's one thing to be ranked number one 1 in the OPBF but another to be the champion and I hope I can become the champion on May 8. "I understand it's a big mountain to climb but it's opportunities like this that I've been working towards for the last three years. "I've put myself into a position to earn a shot now I need to make the most of it. "Kyotara is a great champion and a worthy champion. "However this is a fight I believe I can win and if I did win it, it would be a massive boost for my career. "It's also my first 12 rounder so that's a challenge but I feel ready for the step up. "We will keep working hard in the gym with Brendon and Corban and all of the team. "I'll be giving it my all on May 8 to bring the OPBF belt back to Australia." Ene-Purcell has won seven of his last eight bouts and along the way disposed of former champions Justin Whitehead, Afa Tatupu and Jong Suk Lee. Kyotara Fujimoto presents another step up. "Life is about challenges so I accept this challenge and I will give it my all," Ene-Purcell said. "I'm so thankful for this opportunity and I have to say a huge thank you to my trainer manager Brendon Smith for making all of this possible. "I won't be overawed by the occasion and I will give it my best shot. "If I perform to the best of my ability the rest is out of my hands so that's all I will be trying to do - to be my very best."  |
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