After 24 fights, Lucas Browne is still undefeated and the Australian is starting to make his name as one of the leading heavyweight boxers on the planet. In March, Browne became Australia’s first ever World Heavyweight Champion when he beat Russian fighter Ruslan Chagaev by TKO in the tenth round to secure the WBA title. Prior to Browne’s triumph, the WBA title was held by Tyson Fury. However, boxing’s governing body stripped the Briton after he opted to face Wladimir Klitschko instead of fighting the WBA’s mandatory challenger.
Unfortunately for Browne, he may be stripped of the WBA championship in the not-so-distant future. The Australian has come under scrutiny in the media for his conduct away from the ring and now boxing’s governing body might opt to offer two fighters the chance to fight for the vacant WBA title. But who deserves a shot? Well, David Haye must be regarded as one of the names high up on the list – especially as he is currently ranked at number six in the division. Haye came out of retirement last year, beating Mark de Mori in 130 seconds, and the Briton is looking in great shape, especially considering he is now 35 years old.
For Haye, a world title fight would be incredible. Haye’s return to the ring isn’t fuelled by finance nor is it about revenge, it’s purely about winning belts. The British star knows that he still has plenty to give and he will look to prove his worth again when he takes on giant Swiss heavyweight Arnold Gjergjaj. At the time of writing, 32Red Australia are pricing Haye at 1/100 to win the bout and he will certainly want to send out a clear statement of intent. Haye didn’t come back to make up the numbers, he came back to win world titles.
But if truth be told, money does talk in boxing and it would be difficult for the British fighter to pass on the opportunity for a huge payday. Haye would love a huge domestic fight with Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury but that might not be plausible at the moment. However, if Haye holds a credible championship belt then both fighters might consider a fight with the veteran. After all, both Joshua and Fury, who is 10/11 with 32Red and Unibet to defend his title, have belts to stake and an all-British fight would attract plenty of media attention if nothing else. Right now, it’s hard to see a fight occurring, but you never know – especially if Haye gets his hands on the WBA title.
Amir Khan says David Haye and Tyson Fury would both beat Anthony Joshua https://t.co/Y9Cxryy60u
— Amir Khan (@AmirKhanHub) May 2, 2016
If Browne is stripped of the title, Haye could be offered the opportunity to win the vacant belt in a mouth-watering clash with 37-year-old Cuban fighter Luis Ortiz. And, as of May 6th, Ortiz is ranked as number one in the WBA rankings after winning an impressive 25 fights with two no contests. He was a relatively late newcomer to the professional sport but boasts a phenomenal amateur record of 343-19. Both fighters have their strengths and weaknesses and many believe that their fluctuation in style would bode well for a great battle between two veteran warriors of the boxing world.
For now, Browne is the WBA heavyweight champion but that may all change in the coming months. If it does, Haye and Ortiz will be waiting in the wings for what could be one of the most eagerly anticipated contests of 2016. While Joshua and Fury continue to attract plenty of attention, Haye is quietly going about his business and we could see the 35-year-old veteran join forces with those two at the summit of world heavyweight boxing. After all, Haye has the experience and the skills – it’s now down to the WBA to decide whether Browne is to be stripped of the belt and then for the body to determine just who is going to fight for the vacant title.
