Browne Continues Camp As Chagaev Clash Still On Course

By Jake Donovan

Lucas Browne claims his Monday morning began with concerns over his March 5 title challenger versus Ruslan Chagaev falling through, his source of information coming from misguided social media fodder. 

As such his team felt compelled to act and ensure that the opportunity still existed for the unbeaten Aussie to contend for the World Boxing Association (WBA) "regular" title, which takes place in Grozny, Russia.

His promoter, Hatton Promotions connected with Chagaev's team and upon such talks "would like to dispel any rumours surrounding Lucas Browne's scheduled WBA heavyweight title fight with Ruslan Chagaev.

"On Sunday February 7, Browne's management team were alerted to a number of social media posts claiming that Chagaev had pulled out of the contest. [We] contacted Chagaev's management and were informed that the social media claims are untrue."

Chagaev (34-2-1, 21KOs) attempts the second defense of the belt he claimed in a July '14 win over Fres Oquendo. The win was mired in controversy - more so in the events leading up to and following the actual fight itself - to the point of Oquendo successfully suing his way back into title contention. 

As such, the veteran heavyweight will get first dibs at the March 5 winner. 

Chagaev's lone fight since that night came last July, scoring a 1st round stoppage over Francesco Pianeta. 

Browne (23-0, 20KOs) - who turns 37 in April - enters his first career title fight. The majority of his seven-year career has been spent at home in Australia, having also fought in the United Kingdom - where Hatton Promotions is based - and once in China.

His most recent fight came at home, overcoming a rocky start to score a 9th round stoppage of American journeyman Julius Long last August. 

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox