The heavyweight division could see another shakeup tonight if Lucas Browne dethrones WBA World Heavyweight Champion Ruslan Chagaev in Grozny, Chechnya, exclusively live tonight on BoxNation.
Syndney’s hard-hitting Browne, a big favourite with BoxNation viewers’ in the UK, aims to make history and become Australia’s first ever world heavyweight champion and progress into the next stage of the WBA’s title reshuffle tournament to define one world champion in the organisation.
At 36, the Ricky Hatton promoted Browne is undefeated in 23 fights with 20 knockouts, 11 coming inside three rounds, and the former nightclub bouncer, who once dodged a bullet while working on the doors, will not be fazed going into Chagaev’s Gronzy battleground – listed as one of the world’s most dangerous cities.
The bulking and heavily tattooed Browne said, “He is experienced. He’s fought big fights but I’m taller and I have a lot of power. I don’t think about not winning. I’ve trained to win and that’s what I’m here to do. I’m fit and I’m prepared to go 12 rounds. If the moment is there, of course I’ll take it to knock him out.’’
Chagaev, from Uzbekistan and based out of Germany, was a top amateur who twice beat Cuban legend Felix Savon, the three-time Olympic Gold Medallist, in three of their meetings in the 90s.
Now a professional for almost 20 years, Chagaev has a record of 34 wins, two losses, one draw and 21 by knockout and is into his second reign as WBA king. His only two losses were against then unified world champion Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin for a vacant world title.
He’s in hot form as well, coming off a first round stoppage of Fransesco Pianeta last July and aims to defeat his undefeated rival.
He said this week, “He’s the mandatory challenger and still unbeaten so I will surely not underestimate him. I am ready to go and I will leave no doubt who the real Champion is.”
Live coverage for Chagaev v Browne will start at 7pm tonight. To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, Freeview 255, TalkTalk 415, iPhone, iPad or Android and Amazon devices) for only £12 a month visit boxnation.com or to watch online subscribe at watch.boxnation.com
– Ends –
About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.
Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.
The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Freeview (Ch.255), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.
BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700. For more information visit www.boxnation.com
*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV customers.
