Allen serves Browne a harsh reality check
THE world level ambitions of Lucas Browne took a serious hit on Sunday morning.
On a weekend that promised so much for the Perth-based heavyweight, it was Dave Allen who left London’s famed O2 Arena victorious, after folding the Australian in three rounds.
Browne (now 28-2, 24 KOs) entered the ring in better physical condition to when Dillian Whyte handed him first his professional loss last March, looking noticeably thinner.
But at the fringes of world level, fitness and body sculpting simply weren’t enough, with Allen (17-4-2, 14 KOs) folding the 40-year-old with a devastating left hook to the body.
Allen, 27, appeared to take the imminent threat of a motivated Browne seriously, and in turn produced a career-best result.
“Main eventing is one thing, but I had to win,” said Allen in his post-fight interview.
“It’s alright telling my grandkids I headlined the O2 but I want more now. I’ve proven I can punch at a high level. It’s a very good win.
“The left to the body was beautiful. Today I was fit, I could have done twelve rounds easily, he has underrated skill. It’s a case of getting them down to my pace.
“I’m unbeatable at a snail’s pace.”
With the promise of an eventual meeting with David Price up for grabs, a determined Browne started fast, presumably sweeping the first round on the judges cards.
Showing an ability to read Allen’s overhand right, Browne regularly split the guard of Allen with lead uppercuts.
Browne has one fight remaining on his two-fight deal with global leader Matchroom Boxing, with no immediate fixture confirmed.
Having secured his best result as a professional, Allen credited his career-best form to his new training regime.
“I needed to win, I had to win. I’ve beat a former world champion at the O2. It’s a very good win,” concluded Allen.
“He’s a very good boxer, I need big fights, I need Darren Barker by my side. This is one of the best nights of my life.
“I got into boxing because I wanted to make my dad proud. I’m the most famous man in Doncaster for a week, it will be great.”
Photo: Provided
