Undefeated Australian heavyweight Lucas ‘Big Daddy’ Browne (23-0) will be looking to join the annals of Australia’s boxing hall of fame, when he takes on WBA World Champion Ruslan ‘White Tyson’ Chagaev (34-2-1) in Grozny, Russia.
The undefeated Aussie from Sydney is a KO specialist and has halted 20 of his 23 opponents via stoppage. If he succeeds in beating Chagaev he will be the first Australian to win a heavyweight world title in boxing history.
In his last outing, Browne looked less than fighting fit, coming in heavier than expected against the 7’1 behemoth Julius Long (16-18). The 36-year-old clearly struggled with the awkward ‘jab and grab’ style presented by Long and took some time getting out of first gear before building momentum towards a KO victory in the ninth round.
Browne, who faced much criticism following the fight with Long, which was televised live on Channel 9, is clearly in better spirits and physical shape leading up to his heavyweight world title against Chageav.
Ranked number two in the heavyweight division, by the World Boxing Association, Chageav is ranked higher than veteran fighters Wladamir Klitschko, David Haye and Anthony Joshua.
While Chagaev may have more fights and experience, Browne will bring to the table a 16-centimere height and an eight-centimetre reach advantage in what will be the biggest test of his career.
In an interview with IFL TV, the heavyweight champion of the world, Tyson Fury said he liked Browne’s chances.
“Lucas Browne’s got a good chance. He’s the younger man, so hopefully Big Lucas wins. I want to see a new face with the title.”
However, he has no easy feat in front of him. Chagaev is on a seven-fight win streak and only has two blemishes on his otherwise impressive professional record.
The fight will be broadcast on Main Event in Australia early Sunday morning.
