Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne admits he’s been waiting by the phone in anticipation of getting his World Boxing Association heavyweight title shot against Ruslan Chagaev.
The big punching Aussie was made mandatory challenger for the crown in February this year, but his challenge was pushed back after Puerto Rico’s Fres Oquendo managed to obtain a court ruling that allowed him to jump the queue and face Chagaev in a rematch of their July 2014 encounter.
However, Browne now finds himself as next in line again due to Oquendo having to withdraw from an October 17 date due to a shoulder injury sustained in sparring.
Both Browne and Hatton Promotions are keen to begin negotiations with Chagaev’s team regarding a clash to held either before the end of the year or in early 2016, but are still waiting on the WBA issuing a clear resolution.
“I can’t wait to get my shot at Ruslan Chagaev,” Browne, 23-0 (20 KOs), said. “I’ve been waiting patiently by the phone for news and they say good things come to those who wait.
“People are asking me where the fight will take place, but we have to wait for the WBA to give us the green light. After that, I honestly don’t care where it happens, although having it in Australia or even in Britain, where I’ve boxed many times, would be fantastic.
“At the end of the day I’ve travelled overseas a few times now to box and I enjoy the experience. I’d be happy to fight Chagaev anywhere.”
Matt Clark, Browne’s manager, said: “We’re looking forward to having the WBA issue a resolution stating that Lucas’s position as mandatory challenger has been upheld and hope to begin negotiations in a matter of days rather than weeks.
“I saw Chagaev’s manager stating that he believes the fight will take place in Moscow or Grozny once the WBA issues us a date, but that remains to be seen.
“It’s a fight that a lot of fans are looking forward to, so hopefully it can get made very soon. There hasn’t been a heavyweight championship fight in Australia since 1908 when Jack Johnson took the title away from Tommy Burns. Perhaps Browne taking the title away from Chagaev will be the next chapter!”
