Dillian Whyte v Lucas Browne: World title fight with Joshua could await winner
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Harder, better, faster, stronger
Dillian Whyte clashes with unbeaten Australian powerhouse Lucas Browne at the 02 Arena in London on Saturday night.
The fight is officially for the WBC silver heavyweight title. But in reality, it could be for so much more. And both these fighters will know it.
Anthony Joshua meets Joseph Parker in Cardiff next week. If Joshua successfully defends his titles, a super-fight with Deontay Wilder is likely.
However, there are lingering doubts as to whether the two stars will be able to agree on terms. With Tyson Fury still a while away from fitness, the winner of Whyte-Browne could get a shot at the world titles.
The Coral News Team takes a closer look at what could be an explosive bout…
New and improved Whyte on a charge
You win – or you learn. Conor McGregor’s coach John Kavanagh uses the phrase as his motto and ethos. And it could easily apply to the fortunes of Dillian Whyte.
The Jamaican-born boxer has lost just once in 23 bouts – a 7th-round stoppage defeat to Joshua back in December 2015. Whyte performed admirably against the heavyweight kingpin before succumbing to a build-up of blows.
However, ‘The Body Snatcher’ has learned a lot from that defeat. Notably that his conditioning wasn’t up to par with the elite fighters of the division.
A new approach to training looks to be paying off and Whyte looks back on top of his game. The defeat to Joshua seems to have focused the Brixton-based fighter. And he has reeled off six-straight wins since, including a split decision victory over Dereck Chisora.
Browne looking for divisional respect
At 38-years-old, Lucas Browne’s time has finally come. A former bouncer back in Australia, ‘Big Daddy’ only turned professional eight years ago.
He blitzed his way through the local scene before going international, defeating the likes of veteran US star, James Toney.
But it was his win over Ruslan Chagaev that really caught the attention. Browne upset the odds to beat the Uzbekistani in Grozny two years ago to win the WBA heavyweight title.
However, the Aussie subsequently failed a drugs test and was stripped of his title. Those issues have since followed Browne much to his annoyance.
Yet to lose in 25 bouts, Browne has a knockout percentage of 88% and a big pay-day against Joshua – or Parker – could await.
A slugfest is on the cards
Both fighters are known for their explosive power. Browne, in particular, is known as a big puncher. He’s got phenomenal strength in a club of a right hand. And he’s also got a decent jab.
However, Whyte is no softie. The Briton has got major power, too. And in technical terms, he’s a more natural and talented pugilist.
Whyte’s improved condition, in theory, should see him easily last the course if needed. Since that Joshua defeat, he’s gone the distance in three of his six wins.
Browne has only gone to the cards in three of his 25 fights. His gas tank is arguably questionable.
Whyte is the 4/11 favourite, with Browne the outsider at 2/1. In terms of motivation and talent, the British boxer should ease to a win.
The Body Snatcher is 5/2 to win by KO, TKO – or Disqualification.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
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