LUCAS BROWNE will face Canada’s hard-hitting Eric Martel Bahoeli for the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight title at the Ponds Forge Arena in Sheffield on April 26.
The Perth puncher aims to become first Australian to hold the title in well over a century before targeting showdowns with either Tyson Fury or Dereck Chisora.
It will be the fourth time that Browne has boxed in the UK. He earned his shot at the crown by scoring a fifth round stoppage of 6ft 8in Englishman Richard Towers in Hull in November.
Bahoeli will come into the contest brimming with confidence. The 32-year-old from Quebec City has knocked out his last three opponents, including a two round blow out of the previously unbeaten Didier Bence on the HBO-televised undercard of Adonis Stevenson versus Tony Bellew.
“I’m so excited to be boxing for the Commonwealth title. I’m pumped to be fighting in England once again. My supporter base in the UK and Ireland is massive and I’m counting on them to support me for this bout in Sheffield,” Browne, 19-0 (17 KOs), said.
“Bahoeli is well ranked on Boxrec and is the Canadian champion. I respect him for his achievements and he comes to fight. So do I.
“My goal for a few years now has been this title and I am solely focused on securing it in front of a huge Yorkshire crowd. Unlike many Aussies, I’m not afraid to travel to fight. Bahoeli is in for a war.
“I’m in a great frame of mind now this fight is secured and I am going to win this title for Australia and all my fans from all over the world.”
Matt Clark, Lucas’ manager, said: “Lucas will attempt to win one of the most prestigious titles in boxing on April 26th. The Commonwealth title is one that has eluded Aussie heavyweights since the great Peter Jackson won it in 1892.
“I’ve watched Bahoeli on YouTube a few times and he can punch like a mule kicks. The problem for him is so can Lucas and Lucas can also box. This is a history making fight for us Aussies and I hope Lucas brings the title back home.”
Browne v Bahoeli will feature a full undercard, including Adam Etches, Scott Jenkins, Ryan Burnett and the UK debut of Belarussian light-welterweight prospect Kiryl Relikh.
