Dillian Whyte (22-1, 16 KOs) will meet undefeated Australian Lucas Browne (25-0, 22 KOs) this Saturday night in a Heavyweight bout at the O2 Arena.
This fight is flying slightly under the radar with all the talk surrounding the potential matchup between Heavyweight titans Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder, but the result could possibly propel another needed contender into this top heavy division.
Whyte, whose lone loss came in knockout fashion to Joshua back in December 2015, doesn’t seem concerned with Browne’s punching power.
“I’ve fought guys with a big punch, with speed, power, flashy technique, traditional boxing technique, tall guys with leverage. He’s just a clubber,” (per Boxing Scene).
Since that loss, Whyte has cruised to six straight wins, however only two of those ending in a stoppage win.
Browne’s 22 KOs speak for themselves, however a deeper look into his opponents will raise some questions about the level of competition he has fought. Still, the Australian seems confident in his ability to finish Whyte.
“He can box a bit and he’s got a good work rate, but I don’t think he’s got a great chin, and the whole ‘Bodysnatcher’ thing just makes me want to take him out with a body shot,” said Browne (per Bad Left Hook).
There’s been some hostility between the two in the lead up. Browne has been vocal about Whyte’s social media antics.
“It’s a cry for attention. He knows he’s not the best boxer so he has to get noticed somehow and he does it by making noise,” said Browne (per Bad Left Hook). “He’s famous for getting KO’d by Anthony Joshua, that’s it. I think he’s an idiot and I don’t like him, but I’ve always wanted to fight him.”
The winner of this could be next in line for a shot at Tyson Fury. With Luis Ortiz losing a few weeks ago, Joshua vs. Joseph Parker upcoming, the chips are starting to fall and the heavyweight division is starting to thin out.
Look for the winner to call out a big name after. Who knows if Joshua continues to dodge, perhaps the Bronze Bomber will take on the victor.
Header photo by Ed Mulholland/HBO
