Lucas Browne waiting for world title shot

lucas browne heavyweight title shot

The undefeated Lucas Browne is hoping for a major title shot this year. At the same time, Browne would have the chance to become the first Australian to be named a heavyweight champion of the world.

Having mainly fought in Australia and England during his career so far, Browne is a bit far away from a mega Las Vegas title bout. But just like those of us who dream of playing the blackjack tables in Vegas, there is nothing wrong with staying closer to home. The research by Casino Shortlist into the various online casinos and real money slots will ensure you are fully prepared. That is just like Browne will be when he does find his next opponent in the ring.

A bout with Alexander Ustinov has recently been mooted. But Browne’s promoters – Hatton Promotions – have poured cold water on a meeting with the Russian. Instead Ricky Hatton, a two-weight world champion during his own boxing career, wants Browne to be looking upwards at a better calibre of opponent.

Browne’s record of 22 wins from as many fights, with 19 coming by way of knock-out, certainly makes him a formidable opponent. He is also a formidable presence in the ring. He is ranked number four on the WBA’s list and he is the highest available challenger for the title held by Ruslan Chagaev. The WBA (Regular) belt was won by Chagaev last July and he has not fought since. Time is running out to name an opponent.

Former MMA fighter Browne, who will turn 36 in April, had his most recent fight when beating Chauncy Welliver in November. Browne is certainly open to the prospect of a meeting with Chagaev. He also fancies a future fight with Deontay Wilder, who won the WBC belt by beating Bermane Stiverne in January. It would certainly be satisfying if a heavyweight could unify at least part of the division again. But whether Browne is that man is a good question.

As a latecomer to boxing, he has risen through the ranks impressively and won the Commonwealth title by beating Eric Bahoeli last April. He suffered a severe cut during that fight and that has been an issue for Browne. There have also been concerns raised about his movement. His 6ft 4ins, approximate 19 stone frame does not lend Browne to being one of the more mobile heavyweights. That is especially the case if you compare him to someone like Anthony Joshua.

However, Browne packs a punch. He is aggressive. He would at least ensure the sterility which has been a hallmark of many world heavyweight fights in recent years is not present in the ring. The British fighter Tyson Fury has shown a willingness to fight Browne. But a meeting between those two looks unlikely until one of them is in possession of a world title belt.

For his part, Browne has not ruled out a fight with Fury’s promising young cousin Hughie Fury, who is due to face Andriy Rudenko. Browne beat Rudenko in a unanimous decision last year. There is certainly a gap at the top of the heavyweight division to be filled following the retirement of Vitali Klitschko. And there is probably no rush for Browne to go chasing a fight with Wladimir Klitschko, who beat the Australian boxer Alex Leapai in five rounds last year.
Chagaev and Wilder are not on a par with Klitschko or the better heavyweight world champions of the past 20 years. But Browne’s aggressive style could trouble either of those two. Browne has done well to put himself in line for a title shot. He now needs to take that next step to create history by becoming the first Australian world heavyweight champion.