By Edward Chaykovsky
Manchester legend Ricky Hatton admits that he wanted Lucas Browne to fight David Haye - NOT not Shannon Briggs, for the vacant WBA 'regular' heavyweight world title.
Hatton, a former two division champion who now promotes Browne, was recently ordered to have his fighter collide with Briggs for the vacant belt. Hatton was actually in talks, trying to make Haye vs. Browne when the WBA's order came down. He felt Haye would have made for a much bigger fight, especially in the UK.
"It's not the fight I wanted to be honest, because we were working on a fight with David Haye," Hatton told Sky Sports. "As a fighter I always wanted to fight the best and as a promoter I always try and match my fighters with the best and this would've been for the fans especially. They would've loved to see Lucas Browne against David Haye but at least the fact that he is fighting for his old title is a bigger plus.
Hatton was actually surprised when the WBA allowed Briggs to fight Browne for the title.
Browne captured the world title earlier this year when he knocked out Ruslan Chagaev. He was stripped of the belt after failing a post-fight drug test. Browne staged a legal battle, which eventually cleared his name by showing evidence that he likely ingested contaminated food.
For Briggs, a former WBO heavyweight champion, Browne presents a big step up in class in comparison to his competition over the last few years.
"I am surprised the WBA sanctioned the fight with Shannon Briggs, though. Lucas was always going to fight for the vacant belt but the next one in line for him was David Haye, so that was the obvious one to make. But the WBA have their reasons for sanctioning that one but I will be a very proud when he wins that title back after the heartbreak of the way he lost it in the first place," Hatton said,
'"He is Australia's first ever world heavyweight champion but he didn't get the chance to celebrate it in the manner Lucas deserved. At least he gets the chance to regain his world title and do Australia proud. Lucas has a good fan-base and the UK fans know he is exciting because he's got a big, big punch and given the way the British heavyweight scene is, the UK would be a good place. But from a non-selfish point of view and to repay Lucas for the dedication he's shown since being stripped, I think as it's Australia's first heavyweight champion of the world, to win his title back, it would be fitting to be in his home nation."