Lucas Browne awaits March meeting with Demsey McKean

THINGS are starting to heat up in Australia’s heavyweight division.

For the best part of five years, the division has been ruled by former WBA regular titleholder Lucas Browne, who ascended from national and Commonwealth title honours, to the world stage.

In that time, fights with the likes of fellow title challenger Alex Leapai, Solomon Haumono and Bowie Tupou have failed to eventuate. However, a potential shoot-out with regional belt-holder Demsey McKean has now been tabled.

Browne (28-2, 24 KOs) took to his social media accounts, confirming an agreement in principle to face McKean (16-0, 10 KOs) in March, after fruitful discussions with Brisbane-based promoter, Angelo Di Carlo.

“I’ve been sent and watched a video by Demsey McKean saying that he doesn’t have an opponent, and I don’t have an opponent, let’s fight,” he explained.

“Funny enough, yesterday I had a message, a big long message with Angelo Di Carlo and confirmed that we’re going to fight in March next year, and to send me the contract.

“So why would the next day would I want to fight with one week’s notice? It doesn’t seem right.”

The 40-year-old has had a myriad of fights fall through since June, and has publicly voiced his frustration with the process, having been shelved since his stoppage loss to Dave Allen in April.

Among the fights that have fallen over include an ill-fated trip to London to face Tom Little, as well as the most recent withdrawal by Argentine Gonzalo Basile and the aforementioned Tupou this month.

With the 29-year-old McKean facing similar issues securing a meaningful fight, a meeting between the pair seemed inevitable, but not this year, according to Browne.

“I’ve been training for one orthodox opponent, not a 6’6 southpaw opponent, you know what I mean?” he asked.

“They’re two very different things. To jump in on a week’s notice is dumb. I’m sorry, I’m forty years old, and I’m not dumb. It’s March next year, everyone’s saying they want to see it, and that’s great.

“It’ll be March next year when I’ve agreed to it by Angelo Di Carlo, his promoter.

“I’m not sure what’s going on there, but March next year, it’ll be myself and Demsey.”

Photos: Marty Camilleri & Getty Images