The World Boxing Council have ordered unbeaten Russian monster Artur Beterbiev (16-0, 16 KOs) to defend his WBC light-heavyweight title against former WBA Interim beltholder Marcus Browne (24-1, 16 KOs).
Unified kingpin Beterbiev, who also holds the IBF title at 175lbs, was last seen in the ring back in March when he halted mandatory challenger Adam Deines in ten rounds in Moscow. Though considered by many as one of the most fearsome punchers in the sport, Beterbiev’s career has been blighted by periods of inactivity and an inability to secure bouts with the biggest names in and around the light-heavyweight division.
New Jersey native Browne has been even less active; fighting just once since losing his WBA trinket to disgraced former titlist Jean Pascal in August 2019, winning a lopsided decision against Denis Grachev in April of this year. The 30-year old American now has the opportunity to capture legitimate world honours against Beterbiev, though he would enter the proposed bout as a sizeable underdog against the formidable Russian champion.
“This is the moment I’ve been working for my entire career: this is the most important fight of my life,” Browne told ESPN.
“I’m coming with all the tools in the tool box; not leaving without those straps.”
“Most of the other guys go in the ring scared to fight Beterbiev. They’ve lost before the bell rings. That’s not how we’re coming.”
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has statedthat the two sides have until September 17th to come to a deal before purse bids are called.