A popular former heavyweight champion has revealed that he is retiring from the sport and hanging up his gloves.
One of the hardest parts of the fight game of being can be knowing when to walk away and leave it all behind, but that is the decision that Australian big man Lucas Browne has made.
This announcement has been made following ‘Big Daddy’s latest loss on the undercard of the Vasyl Lomachenko v George Kambosos card. It came in the form of a first-round knockout against Hemi Ahio and leaves his record at 31 wins, 27 knockouts and 6 losses.
The former secondary WBA heavyweight titlist said he was grateful for his time in the sport but that now he moves into the next phase of his life.
“I am incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished in the ring, and I am deeply thankful to all the fans who have supported me along the way. I hope you were entertained, win lose or draw.
“It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to embark on the next chapter of my life with my family and continue to contribute to the sport through my gym.”
Browne was a once potent puncher with great courage who achieved plenty in his career and fought plenty of big names of the era. He only turned professional in his thirties and had no amateur background whatsoever, which has made his journey all the more remarkable.
Browne’s manager Matt Clark also outlined just what an achievement this was to go from nothing to becoming a world champion.
“Lucas Browne’s accomplishments in the ring are nothing short of extraordinary. He will go down as one of the greatest Australian Heavyweights ever, and his victory over Ruslan Chagaev stands as one of the most significant moments in Australian boxing history.
“But perhaps one of Lucas’ greatest traits is that he always has time for the fans of the sport. He never turns anyone back for a photo or an autograph. The sport is richer for having him in it.”
Browne is indeed the only Australian fighter to have captured the Commonwealth title in over 100 years. He often showed great spirit in fights to come back from behind and this was best highlighted in 2016 with his Rocky like turnaround against Chagaev, though he did on occasion get stopped, notably against Brit Dave Allen who stopped him to the body in the fight.
Boxing Social wishes Lucas Browne all the very best in retirement.
Boxing Social is now on WhatsApp! Join our channel by clicking here and getting all the latest boxing news direct to your phone.