Re: Browne vs Chagaev finally finalized for March 5th in Grozny

Redback Rasta · Post by **Redback Rasta** » 04 Jan 2016, 04:19

Lucas Browne looking ripped a long way out from March >>>

Like a Boss · Post by **Like a Boss** » 11 Jan 2016, 17:57

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/lucas-b ... ife-320421?

Lucas Browne says he’s fitter than ever and ready to make history and become his nation’s first ever world heavyweight champion when he squares off with Ruslan Chagaev in Grozny, on March 5.

Browne has been training like a demon with head coach Rodney Williams and British legend Nigel Benn for a number of weeks and believes he will be a whole new animal come fight night.

“My camp has been unreal. We’ve been in the gym for over six weeks and there’s still over seven weeks to go so people are going to get a shock when they see me in the ring,” he said.

“I’m lighter now and I’m working on my footwork every day with Rodney so I think people are going to be surprised at how agile I’ve become. My power is still there, but I’m slipping better and I’ve learned that I don’t need to stand directly in front of an opponent to knock them out.

“I’ve got the perfect team now and each day I’m learning new things. Rodney is the quiet one who provides a calming influence and concentrates on the pad work while Nigel is the loud one who shouts and gets me pumped up. He’s the motivator and the cheerleader.”

Browne is expecting a hostile atmosphere at the 5,000 capacity Colosseum Sports Hall, but he does not feel any trepidation.

“To me it’s just a place I have to go to if I want to fulfil my dream of being a world champion,” he said.

“The crowd will be against me and I’m fine with that. I’ve been in hostile situations in my personal life so this holds no fear for me.

“Back when I was working as a bouncer I had people attack me with chairs and knives and I was shot at. I came through that because I don’t scare easily and I’m certainly not scared of Chagaev or having fans shouting things against me.”

Mr Icaman · Post by **Mr Icaman** » 11 Jan 2016, 23:53

I hope he is putting as much effort into his boxing training as he is to his selfies...

Like a Boss · Post by **Like a Boss** » 12 Jan 2016, 17:24

Mr Icaman wrote:I hope he is putting as much effort into his boxing training as he is to his selfies...

If Browne's selfy demonstrates anything it is that he is fighting fit. Will be interesting to see what he weighs in at because he looks shredded compared to how he used to look.

bogan whisperer · Post by **bogan whisperer** » 14 Jan 2016, 20:47

Browne is doing a lot of work with young southpaw Jai Opetaia in the lead-up to fighting Chagaev.

Like a Boss · Post by **Like a Boss** » 08 Feb 2016, 04:10

Some rumours were doing the rounds today the fight was off. Thankfully they appear only to have been rumours.

Like a Boss · Post by **Like a Boss** » 12 Feb 2016, 17:02

Today at 10am EST, that is about 2 hours from now, Lucas Browne will host an open training session at Blacktown PCYC.

It will be interested to see what kind of shape he is in because from all reports he is ripped and raring to go.

Like a Boss · Post by **Like a Boss** » 15 Feb 2016, 22:00

Lucas Browne says he is attempting to incorporate a bit of Muhammad Ali's style.

Browne has been working under South African-born, Australian-based trainer Rodney Williams in preparation for his clash with WBA heavyweight world champion Ruslan Chagaev in Grozny, in early March.

"Rodney, has helped me create the angles, the ins and outs, the moving around and bouncing around, a bit more Muhammad Ali-esque, so to speak."

Redback Rasta · Post by **Redback Rasta** » 17 Feb 2016, 23:22

Lucas Browne sounds like he's cherry ripe and ready to deliver some violence >>>

“I’ve never sparred better than this,” Browne, 23-0 (20 KOs), said. “I’m so pumped for this fight that I’ve been able to blast my way through each session".

“Nothing will stop me from winning the WBA world title."

“I’m going to bring my own brand of violence into the ring vs Chagaev and won’t stop until he’s out. I’ve never liked going to the judges because when you knock someone out there can be no discussion as to who won the fight, it’s obvious.

“I think people are going to be surprised when I turn up in such tremendous shape and I’m going to do things in there that people haven’t really seen me do before.

“I don’t want to give too much away but all I can say is that all the hard work I’ve done with Rodney Williams is going to pay off.

“I’ve been getting some great advice from the likes of Larry Holmes, Joe Bugner, Riddick Bowe and Hasim Rahman. Having all their support really boosts me. I’m ready to be Australia’s first world heavyweight champion.”

Matt Clark, Browne’s long-time manager, has certainly been impressed by what he has seen from his charge in the gym.

He said: “In the past Lucas has had to go easy on sparring partners because it’s really hard to get decent sparring in Australia. This time specific sparring has been brought in and Lucas hasn’t had to hold back. At times, it’s been absolutely brutal.

“Lucas is at a career best weight, his preparation has been perfect, he’s focused on Chagaev and he’s being very destructive in the gym.

“We are delighted with how he’s travelling and all his hard work is going to pay off. This all spells great news for Browne in the biggest fight of his career.”

Like a Boss · Post by **Like a Boss** » 19 Feb 2016, 08:21

Lucas says he's down to 114kg two weeks out from the fight and sounding like a more rounded fighter. "More angles, better ringmanship and more punches in combos."

Departing for Grozy next Tuesday. Leaving about 10 days prep over there prior to the fight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swNRtKpeWMo

Brute · Post by **Brute** » 19 Feb 2016, 15:34

Gnome wrote:Browne needs another fight. He should find someone to defend his Commonwealth strap against. To be honest, I don't see him being Chagaev.

Being Chagaev? What language do you speak?

Brute · Post by **Brute** » 19 Feb 2016, 15:38

Like a Boss wrote:CHAGAEV vs OQUENDO - CALLED OFF

Fres Oquendo has, according to the Sparkassen Arena in Kiel (Germany), pulled out of the fight against WBA "regular" heavyweight champ Ruslan Chagaev, due to illness.

The fight was scheduled for October 17 at the Sparkassen Arena in Kiel (Germany). All tickets are refunded.

Where Oquendo's withdrawal leaves things is interesting, and will now be dependent on whether or not the WBA insist that Browne now gets his shot at Chagaev first.

After failing tests to two prohibited drugs including a steroid after the Chagaev fight Oquendo must have pulled some powerful strings to get the court decision for a rematch.

Like a Boss · Post by **Like a Boss** » 19 Feb 2016, 20:45

I've been watching some recent sparring videos of Browne and his body shape is so different with 20 odd pounds removed from it. He looks more flexible and mobile, and hopefully he'll have better staying power as well.

But he drops his hands an awful lot for my liking. Still it is only sparring and I hope on the night he keeps the defence a bit tighter.

convict · Post by **convict** » 20 Feb 2016, 22:41

I watch the sparing against Jai Opetaia, That kid is mega talented and really took it to Browne which is what Lucas needed to get his head and body moving a lot more.

Like a Boss · Post by **Like a Boss** » 20 Feb 2016, 23:24

convict wrote:I watch the sparing against Jai Opetaia, That kid is mega talented and really took it to Browne which is what Lucas needed to get his head and body moving a lot more.

Jai needs to keep improving his jab. The rest of his game is pretty impressive.

Redback Rasta · Post by **Redback Rasta** » 21 Feb 2016, 21:46

Long article. I have only posted the quotes and pertinent parts >>>

Aussie boxer Lucas Browne confident of upstaging Ruslan Chagaev in world heavyweight title fight

Lucas ‘Big Daddy’ Browne leaves for Russia on Tuesday for his world heavyweight title fight, fitter, faster and more agile than ever.

Browne, who fights WBA heavyweight king Ruslan Chagaev on March 5 in Grozny, has lost 10kg in a bid to defy the bookies who have him a 3/1 outsider against the veteran southpaw from Uzbekistan.

Browne, 36, has already made boxing history by becoming the first Commonwealth heavyweight boxing champ from Australia in 122 years following Peter Jackson in 1892.

Chagaev, 37, who holds the WBA version of the fragmented world heavyweight championship, will be a much tougher test than anyone the Sydney strongman has faced.

He is a former world amateur champ and Olympian with a record of just two losses in 37 pro fights – against Klitschko and 2004 Olympic gold medallist Alexander Povetkin from Russia.

But Browne believes he can upset the heavy odds in favour of the hometown fighter.

“My trainer Rodney Williams and I have been working on technique and greater agility,’’ Browne said.

“I’m down to 114kg. I’m lighter, I’ve trimmed down and my workrate has picked up.

“I know I have the power but I can’t rely on one big punch against Chagaev. I need to put three and four-punch combinations together consistently.’’

Browne has been sparring former world junior amateur champion Jai Opetaia and former French heavyweight champ Fabrice Aurieng in preparation for the world title fight.

“I’m very happy with the way I’m putting punches together,’’ Browne said.

“I’ve been training with Rodney for four months and I feel my stamina has definitely improved.

“Each day I do 12 rounds of footwork drills and then 12 rounds on the punching pads.

“Working with Jai Opetaia has been great for this fight because he’s got power, a very good chin, he’s quick and provides tough angles from his southpaw stance the way that Chagaev does.’’

Browne has a huge height advantage over the 180cm left-handed champ and said he had closely studied Chagaev’s two losses as a professional.

“Povetkin outworked him with three and four-punch combinations and lots of uppercuts. and Klitschko dominated him by keeping him at the end of his jab and using angles.

“My agility has improved and I want to show that in the fight - using my reach and combinations.’’

He said he was not worried about fighting Chagaev in Russia.

“I had five fights in England and one in Hong Kong so I’m not worried about travelling,’’ Browne said.

“History is about to be made.’’

http://www.foxsports.com.au/boxing/auss ... c89d272aae

Redback Rasta · Post by **Redback Rasta** » 22 Feb 2016, 21:37

Boxer Browne apprehensive about Chechnya

Lucas Browne admits feeling apprehensive about going to Chechnya.

But he has been reassured he can expect excellent security and treatment.

"To be honest it's slightly nerve-racking," Browne told AAP.

"Not from a fight point of view, I'm quite comfortable with the fight.

"I'm very happy with the way everything has gone, I think it's the fact I'm going to Grozny.

"His (Chagaev's) best friend is the (Chechnyan) president, all that sort of stuff.

"It's just obviously I'm going into a foreign country, so it does give me a little bit of apprehension, but besides that I'm very happy.

"I think the last two or three (boxing promotions) in Grozny have been quite successful, they have put on a great show, there's a lot of money put into it, the venue is great."

Browne (23-0, 20 KOs) has received reassurance from the camp of Fres Oquendo, who unsuccessfully challenged Chagaev in Grozny in 2014.

"My manager has been in contact with Oquendo's people and they said they were very well looked after, great security, the hotel was absolutely sensational," Browne said.

Puerto Rican Oquendo may have provided the Australian with the template to dethrone Chagaev despite dropping a majority points decision.

"Oquendo had the right idea in regards to staying away and keeping mobile, which I think I'll be able to do just a little bit better in terms of the angles," Browne said.

"Oquendo failed to land some big shots, he was throwing his arms around, but they weren't making any dents in his armour.

"I want to fight a lot like Oquendo did fight him, but at the same time interact a little bit more, have a few more punches thrown per round, so a little bit more of the power side of things as well."

http://www.sportsfan.com.au/boxer-brown ... fault.aspx?

Like a Boss · Post by **Like a Boss** » 29 Feb 2016, 00:28

Browne is getting the Hollywood treatment in Grozny. He has a 3 man security team and the entire 25th floor of a 5 star hotel for his team.

Like a Boss · Post by **Like a Boss** » 29 Feb 2016, 01:54

Tyson Fury thinks Lucas Browne can win :

“I think Lucas Browne has got a good chance, he’s the younger man,” said Fury

“He’s fresher, let’s say that. He is unbeaten and he’s a knockout artist. Hopefully big Lucas wins,”

“I know Chagaev, obviously. I’ve watched him box for a long time, but he’s been there and done it,” Fury added.

“He’s too old. I want to see a new face with a new title,”

convict · Post by **convict** » 29 Feb 2016, 06:15

I don't know if its a good thing or a bad thing that Browne changed his fight style for this match. His come-forward punch-hard ability got him to where he is now. And after watching Jai Opetaia land so many clean shots on Browne in sparing almost schooling him, I just wonder if his team acknowledges that the "New" Browne might not be as affective against Chagaev?.

Redback Rasta · Post by **Redback Rasta** » 29 Feb 2016, 06:38

convict wrote:I don't know if its a good thing or a bad thing that Browne changed his fight style for this match. His come-forward punch-hard ability got him to where he is now. And after watching Jai Opetaia land so many clean shots on Browne in sparing almost schooling him, I just wonder if his team acknowledges that the "New" Browne might not be as affective against Chagaev?.

One hundred percent with you.

It appears as though Rodney Williams has tried to re-invent Browne by getting him to trim down and become a more mobile fighter with a new repertoire of subtleties. All very commendable given a reasonable timeframe to learn and program to muscle memory. But I'm not sure you can get yourself as far down the track as Browne has using your God given talents and then, literally in between fights, attempt to almost completely re-invent yourself.

I don't think Browne's poor lead-up opponents will have done him any favours either. Long and Welliver were really both nothing fights for him, and I'm not sure his sparring partners are up to the mark for an opponent the calibre and experience of Chagaev either.

One would think Browne has to stop Chagaev to come home with the belt, and I think he is really only going to be able to do that will raw power delivered accurately. I get the feeling once the heat is turned up the new subtleties he has just learned will go out the window and the test will be whether he still has the raw power and whether he can land it.

Another factor could be Browne's eyes. Which tend to open up as demonstrated by the Canadian he fought for the Commonwealth title.

I really, really want to be wrong about this fight and we get to see the new, fitter, more mobile Browne get the job done in Grozny and bring home the belt.

Redback Rasta · Post by **Redback Rasta** » 01 Mar 2016, 01:50

Officials Named For Browne vs Chagaev

Referee:
Guillermo Perez Pineda (Panama)

Judges:
Jean Robert Laine (Monaco)
Stanley Christodoulou (Sth Africa)
Pinit Prayadsab (Thailand)

Supervisor:
Renzo Bagnariol (Nicaragua)

Like a Boss · Post by **Like a Boss** » 01 Mar 2016, 21:58

Kostya Tszyu will be in attendance at Browne vs Chagaev :

“Having Kostya fly in for the fight is massive honour,” Lucas Browne said.

“I already have the backing of legends such as Larry Holmes, Ricky Hatton and Nigel Benn so to have Kostya behind me would be the icing on the cake.

“Obviously, he’s got a strong connection with Russia and for all I know he might be backing Chagaev, but I definitely hope it’s me he’s rooting for.

“Being told that such a great fighter and such a proud Aussie is coming to the fight really gets me pumped. I can’t wait to get in there now and become Australia’s first world heavyweight champion with a stunning knockout.”

Like a Boss · Post by **Like a Boss** » 03 Mar 2016, 07:04

Final press conference pics :

Redback Rasta · Post by **Redback Rasta** » 03 Mar 2016, 18:43

THE UNDERCARD

There will be a three fight undercard.

In a 10-round Heavyweight bout, Edmund Gerber (25-2, 16 KO’s) of Schwerin, Germany will fight Brian Minto (41-10, 26 KO’s) of Butler, PA.

In a 10-round bout for the IBO International Welterweight title, Vishkahn Murzabekov (12-0, 6 KO’s) of Russia takes on former world title challenger Ali Funeka (37-5-3, 30 KO’s) of South Africa.

Tyrone Spong (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Miami, Florida battles David Gogishvilli (12-0, 8 Ko’s) of Gori, Georgia in a 6-round Cruiserweight bout.