Tommy Browne calls for best in division
IN terms of staying power, few can match the career longevity of Tommy Browne.
Just over seventeen years on from his professional debut, Browne (41-7-2, 17 KOs) remains a relevant figure, particularly in the domestic landscape, facing the best Australia has to offer for more than a decade.
Having challenged for two world titles over the course of his well-travelled career, including memorable bouts against the likes of In Jin Chi and Chris John, the 36-year-old still has more to give.
Seen by some as a gatekeeper due to the tenure of his punch-for-pay journey, Browne is seeking another high-profile challenge, citing the few rated above him domestically.
“The only offers I’ve received in my division, are from guys ranked below me, with a handful of fights,” Browne told Aus-Boxing.
“I’ve has had 50 professional fights now and these fights make no sense at this time of his career. I’m not going to be a journeyman like other fighters, or be an easy way to the top.”
The computerised rankings of global database BoxRec have Browne listed as the second best light middleweight in the country, behind only fast-rising prodigy Tim Tszyu.
Tszyu (14-0, 10 KOs) is slated to return in December, closing out his year with a fourth successive fight on a televised card.
While an offer has yet to be formally tabled to Browne from Tszyu’s promoter No Limit Boxing, a fight against Australia’s latest pay-per-view sensation is one that he would consider.
“I’m currently ranked number two in my division (by BoxRec) and in the top seventy in world,” he concluded.
“To be the best you’ve got to fight the best and this is the number one against number two ranked Australian super welterweights.
“I was side-stepped when Tszyu fought Ritchie, that was one versus three and I was sitting in number two. This is a great domestic bout that’s bringing life back into Australian boxing.
“My record speaks for itself and it will be an honour to share the ring with the Tszyu family name. At this stage of my career, a fight like this will tell me where I’m at and let me know if I can still mix it with these young guys.
“He’s a great kid with a lot of talent but I wasn’t that impressed with his last two performances. If we can’t get the Tszyu fight, I’d take Dwight Ritchie.”
Photo: Provided
