LUCAS BROWNE: “FORGET THE ASHES, I JUST WANT TO TOPPLE TOWERS”

LUCAS “BIG DADDY” BROWNE says he’s not bothered about the outcome of the Ashes Series, he’s just concerned with ensuring Australia beats the Pommies at boxing.

The unbeaten Perth puncher faces 6ft 8in Englishman Richard Towers in a final eliminator for the Commonwealth heavyweight title at the Melbourne Pavilion next Thursday (July 25).

Last year the pair spent time sparring together at Brendan Ingle’s legendary gym in Sheffield and have been firm friends ever since, but they’ll be looking to hit each other for six come fight night.

“To be honest I couldn’t care less about cricket, but I am excited about the fight and am doing all I can to win,” Lucas, 16 – 0 (14 KOs), said.

“I learnt a great deal from sparring and hanging around Richard. I learnt firstly that I’m not the biggest guy around and sometimes I have to be the smaller guy.

“I also learnt that he’s a gentleman and equally focused on his career and family.

“He’s not boxed for over a year so I think that could make a little rusty and possibly a step behind. I’m coming off three KO wins and 12 round decision with a legend in that same time.”

Victory over Towers would put the Aussie in line for a clash with Liverpool’s giant Olympic bronze medalist David Price and he says it’s a fight more than willing to travel over 10,000 miles for.

Price recently lost to American southpaw Tony Thompson for the second time and needs to bounce back. Whether his plans involve a Commonwealth title defence, though, remain to be seen.

“David Price is in a position where he needs to decide whether boxing at that level is really for him,” Browne stated.

“If he wants to defend his title, I’d be happy, of course, if Hatton Promotion would stage such a great fight in Australia, but anyway I would also be more than happy to come to the UK to fight him.”

Browne’s manager and trainer Matt Clark added: “We’re within touching distance of Lucas getting a shot at the Commonwealth title and we’re thankful to Hatton Promotions for getting us in this position.

“Big Daddy is coming off a top 12 round victory against James Toney. He’s hungry to take the next step on July 25. He’s prepared very well and we’re confident he will be successful on the night.

“We have plenty of respect for Richard and his team. You’ll notice a lack of trash talk in the lead up to the bout. It’s a contest that doesn’t need verbal jibes to create interest. It’s just a damn good heavyweight fight!”

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