Our Experts Decide: Lucas Browne vs. Ruslan Chagaev
LUCAS Browne will aim to make history on Sunday morning by becoming Australia’s first heavyweight champion.
The undefeated heavyweight will face reigning WBA regular titleholder Ruslan Chagaev at the Colosseum Sport Hall in Grozny. In Chagaev, 37, Browne will face a fighter that is riding a seven fight win streak dating back to 2011.
Aus-Boxing spoke to a group of industry insiders to get their thoughts on who would win Sunday’s world title fight.
Ben Damon, MAIN EVENT – Record: 11-9
Browne KO Chagaev: History beckons on Sunday morning, as Lucas Browne fights to become our first ever heavyweight world champion.
Aussies Bill Lang, Bill Squires, Kali Meehan and Alex Leapai have all fought for the greatest title in sport, but now Browne travels to Chechnya for his tilt.
‘Big Daddy’ faces the daunting ‘White Tyson’ Ruslan Chagaev, but if anyone can overcome the hostility of this situation it’s the former Western Sydney bouncer who has already survived being shot at.
In addition, Browne is arguably the hardest puncher in world boxing, and under new trainer Rodney Williams he has developed his foot work to the extent of being a genuine chance against the slick and powerful Chagaev.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime event as an Aussie tries to bring home a version of the biggest title of them all, and he goes into the fight with a punch that can make history.
My tip, Browne’s thunderous right hand to shock the boxing world and breathe gloriously brutal new life into Australian boxing.
Adam Wilcock, Promoter/Manager – Record: 13-8
Chagaev KO Browne: All these big boys can punch and all have knockout power. Experience is the key here for a short night for Chagaev.
Billy Hussein, Trainer – Record: 10-2
Chagaev UD12 Browne: I think Lucas is in great hands with Nigel Benn and Rodney Williams. He looks to be in great shape and he really has transitioned well from mixed martial arts to boxing.
I’ve known Chagaev for a long time, I remember when came here to Australia. Being a southpaw and being so experienced I think he might be too much for Lucas.
I think he will outbox Lucas comfortably for points victory.
Alex McClintock, Journalist for TQBR/Radio National – Record: 4-0
Chagaev UD12 Browne: I want to make the patriotic pick this weekend but I can’t. It would be dishonest.
Frankly, I think Ruslan Chagaev is a terrible style match-up for Lucas Browne: he’s too well schooled, too fast and too defensively sound.
I hate to say it, but I think he’s going to make ‘Big Daddy’ look crude in a wide unanimous decision win or even a late stoppage.
Nigel Benn, Browne’s Co-Trainer – Record: Debut
Browne KO Chagaev: Everything he wanted out of life is here for the taking, he needs to seize the opportunity.
I think if he puts everything into action, I believe he can stop him. Lucas has the size, the strength and the power to do the job. As long as he doesn’t freeze in the big lights on the big stage, I believe he can do it.
Chris McCullen, Trainer – Record: 0-1
Chagaev TKO10 Browne: I think ‘Big Daddy’ will be in with a punchers chance.
He’ll need to keep Chagaev at a distance early using his reach and not allow Chagaev to catch him over the top.
In my opinion, Chagaev has the advantage with his amateur background, he’s done far more rounds as a professional and against the better opposition.
I hope I’m wrong – but I feel this will be the difference – if Lucas doesn’t catch him early. I hope Browne proves me wrong and brings home the victory but I’d say Chagaev on points or even a late stoppage.
Brett Bonetti, Journalist/Hulk Talk Radio – Record: 4-1
Browne TKO7 Chagaev: I think ‘Big Daddy’ will become Australia’s first heavyweight champion. He’s getting Chagaev at the right time and his preparation has been perfect.
Browne will need a knockout over there and he can’t rely on a points decision. He has to keep his distance and jab, and not get into Chagaev’s game of fighting in close.
Andy Raymond, Commentator for Fox Sports – Record: 0-1
Chagaev W12 Browne: Sadly the memory of Aussies overseas recently makes it impossible to put money on this.
However, like every previous fight, I’ll be cheering our boy loud and proud.
I’m not a fan of Chagaev, in fact – I don’t rate him at all – and I think the fact he wears a version of the “world” title shows just how poor the heavyweight division is currently.
The champion “should” retain his title, but I’m cheering for the challenger.
Neil Devey, Journalist for The West Australian – Record: 2-0
Chagaev W12 Browne: Strip away the argument of whether this is an authentic world title scrap and you are still left with a fascinating fight.
There is just six months difference in age between the pair but in terms of big-fight experience there is no comparison.
Chagaev has been at the sharp end of heavyweight boxing for near enough the past decade, while this is Browne’s first step up to world level.
Browne boasts an underrated jab, a knockout right hand and a new fitness regime which indicates he won’t be blowing after five or six rounds. He looks like a professional athlete now.
But Chagaev has been in with bangers before and only Wladimir Klitschko has managed to stop him.
He hits hard, too, so despite being the larger man Browne knows he won’t be able to just roll forward looking for the single shot. Chagaev is also cagey and can tie up opponents when things get feisty.
That doesn’t mean we should write off Browne.
He’s beaten everyone he’s had put in front of him and Chagaev is not Tyson Fury.
With Browne moving back to West Australia after the fight, it would be great to have ‘Big Daddy’ land at Perth airport with the belt across his shoulder.
However, journalists are not here to be cheerleaders.
So on “home” soil in Chechnya and having been around the block at this level so often, I’m taking Chagaev on points, while Browne can come again bigger and better from this experience.
Cody Kaye, Journalist for Fox Sports – Record: 2-1
Browne KO6 Chagaev: Ruslan Chagaev represents a huge step up for Lucas Browne, and in Chechnya, if it’s even remotely close, he can forget about winning a decision.
In Browne’s favour is his punching power, he can absolutely win the WBA heavyweight title with one punch, and with the work he’s put in with new trainer Rodney Williams, Lucas’ movement and boxing ability has undoubtedly improved.
Even though there’s only a year between them, Chagaev is much older in boxing years.
March 5 may be the day he grows old.
Phil D. Jay, Editor for World Boxing News – Record: 4-0
Chagaev W12 Browne: I believe Browne could cause a shock early on but the longer the fight goes on I’d have to favour the superior skill of Chagaev.
‘Big Daddy’ has to go hell for leather in the first four rounds and could well be the new champ if he can find a gap to land flush.
Adam Santarossa, Journalist for SportingNews – Record: 5-0
Chagaev UD12 Browne: If Lucas Browne managed to become Australia’s first ever world heavyweight champion, it will be some effort.
He’s going to Chagaev’s backyard and it isn’t going to be easy. Lucas hasn’t had the greatest of form going in and has dealt with both injuries and inactivity.
He lacks big names scalps on his resume and big fight experience and sadly I think that will be the difference.
Chagaev will just be a little too silky. I’d love to be wrong, but I’m going with my head over my heart.
Pat Kennedy, Matchmaker – Record: 3-1
Chagaev KO3 Browne: I give the superbly-managed Aussie a chance in this one although on paper he looks to be way out of his league. Chagaev is battle-worn and ten years past his prime.
Rumours of Hepatitis have plagued him for years and the only recognizable name on his record since Povetkin five years ago is Fres Oquendo – who took the fight on late notice – and Chagaev barely scraped through.
I think Browne has to roll the dice in this one and throw bombs as Chagaev comes to him. Watch Browne to throw an overhand right or right uppercut to do damage. Fingers crossed.
Lincoln Hudson, Trainer – Record: 14-4
Chagaev KO5 Browne: Australians as a society think we like to chase and follow the underdogs, or as some say, believe in dreams at the end of rainbows.
Well, as a proud Aussie, I wish I could do the same regarding this fight. All the odds are stacked against ‘Big Daddy’ Lucas Browne.
He is fighting one of – if not the most dangerous puncher in the heavyweight division – at the current time. Browne is fighting a fighter with amateur credentails that are very hard to equal.
Browne is also fighting a fighter with a very experienced team and he’s fighting a fighter with all of the above in his hometown.
As much as I am proud to be cheering for Lucas, I truly don’t see this fight being very competitive at this level.
Chagaev will rise to a level where Lucas just will give his all, but will fall way too short. I wish I am wrong and I hope that Lucas returns home glorious and safe.
Gareth Williams, Trainer – Record: 12-6
Chagaev UD12 Browne: This is another great opportunity for Australian boxing, to have our own Lucas Browne fighting for the heavyweight championship of the world.
Chagaev has the experience and against the better quality opponents. He is a southpaw with a good amateur pedigree and has tremendous defence.
These are all points that I see playing a major role in the fight.
I would like to see Lucas land the heavy right hand, but I just don’t think he has had the quality opponents to give him the experience at this level.
Brendan Bourke, Manager/Advisor – Record: 14-3
Browne TKO10 Chagaev: What a massive opportunity for Lucas Browne to win the WBA heavyweight title.
If Browne can keep Chagaev off him early, some openings will appear for Browne’s huge right hand and vastly improved left hook.
Head says Chagaev – but heart says Browne – so I’m picking him by late stoppage.
Matt Clark, Manager/Advisor – Record: 12-2
Browne KO9 Chagaev: Of course I’m biased, as I’m Lucas’ manager.
However, I truly believe he’s done all the hard work, he’s ready to create history and he’s hitting harder than ever.
George Reno, Trainer – Record: 12-3
Chagaev UD12 Browne: I think this will be a tactical fight. I’d love for ‘Big Daddy’ to win and he has a punchers chance.
But on home soil, Chagaev has a lot of ring savvy and for me he wins this on points.
Photos: Getty Images/Louie Abigail for Photography by Rockfingrz
