Lucas Browne believes victory over Dillian Whyte will “100 per cent” earn him another world heavyweight title fight this year.
The Brixton man is currently the WBC’s No 1 ranked contender ahead of his battle with Browne on March 24, live on Sky Sports, but defeat means the Australian would snatch this lofty position, putting him next in line for a shot at WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
Browne briefly held the WBA ‘regular’ belt after a 2016 knockout win over Ruslan Chagaev and is eager to test himself at the top level again.
“It opens up everything,” Browne told Sky Sports. “It’s where I want to be. It’s where I need to be. Get some big fights.
“I never say no to any of the fights as well, which is another thing. I just want to get in amongst it and see where I’m at.”
Asked if he would expect a world title fight in 2018, Browne added: “Definitely, 100 per cent.”
A potential fight with Joseph Parker was briefly discussed before the WBO champion opted for a unification clash with Anthony Joshua.
But Browne acknowledges that a trans-Tasman showdown with the New Zealander could be even bigger after their upcoming fights.
“Of course, I would love that. It would be great, just for us in general, the Australasian side of things.
“Why not? It would be absolutely sensational and just great for boxing over our side of the world.”
‘Big Daddy’ must firstly overcome Whyte and fully intends to end the fight before the bell.
“I don’t want it to go to a judges’ decision,” said Browne. “I don’t like judges, so I definitely want a stoppage, whether it’s him not coming out for the round, or whatever it might be.
“I just want to stop him.”
