Errol ‘The Bonecrusher’ Zimmerman returns in December

The power-punching heavyweight and two-time World Heavyweight Championship challenger is a fan favorite thanks to his explosive fighting style. He has won 44 fights by way of knockout and has a 43% knockout ratio in his victories.

Zimmerman (103-12-1, 44 KO’s) challenged Rico Verhoeven for the heavyweight title at GLORY 19 VIRGINIA in February but the contest ended in the second round when Zimmerman sustained a torn patellar tendon while executing a kick. Several surgeries were subsequently required.

His ‘Bonecrusher’ nickname was not the invention of a manager or marketing department; he earned it by flattening numerous opponents with concussive punches, kicks and knees. Zimmerman is one of the most naturally powerful fighters in any combat sport.

Among his knockout wins are victories over Jerome Le Banner, Hesdy Gerges, Anderson ‘Braddock’ Silva and Ben Edwards. He also has a 2012 win by knockout over Rico Verhoeven, though Verhoeven has since taken two wins over him.

Now fully recovered, Zimmerman is back in training and back on the title trail. The road towards another installment of his long-running feud with Verhoeven starts in Amsterdam with a fight against Thomas Vanneste (22-8, 19 KO’s) making his second GLORY outing.

The young Belgian giant, 23, debuted at GLORY 22 FRANCE, headlining the undercard with a win over French heavyweight Gaetan Sautron. Thunderous blows were exchanged throughout the bout, Vanneste’s power and fitness allowing him to dominate and win a unanimous decision.

Now he takes on the toughest challenge of his young career, facing a man who has knocked out some of the biggest and best names in the sport’s notoriously stacked heavyweight division. But he does not sound like a fighter overawed by his opponent’s more decorated name.

“Since my win at GLORY 22 FRANCE, I have been even more determined than ever. My work has been harder, faster, more explosive, more technical,” says Vanneste.  “I am making huge efforts in preparation for battle in Amsterdam. I am really proud of my team and the work we are doing, I cannot wait to show it.”

GLORY 26 AMSTERDAM takes place Friday, December 4 at the RAI Amsterdam in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The double-header card sees Rico Verhoeven defending his title against Benjamin Adegbuyi and Nieky Holzken defending the welterweight championship against the winner of next week’s Welterweight Contender Tournament at GLORY 25 MILAN.