Anthony Joshua targeted by Lucas Browne, says promoter Ricky Hatton
By James Dielhenn
Last Updated: 28/11/17 4:04pm
Lucas Browne wants a shot at Anthony Joshua if he gives up the opportunity to challenge Joseph Parker, his promoter Ricky Hatton said.
Unbeaten Australian Browne has "an agreement in principle" to fight for Parker's WBO heavyweight title next but that is pending the champion's ongoing negotiations to unify belts with IBF and WBA 'super' holder Joshua.
"If Anthony fights Parker first, we want a shot at Anthony. Between the three of us, we will get our heads together," Hatton exclusively told Sky Sports.
If Anthony fights Parker first, we want a shot at Anthony.
Ricky Hatton, Browne's promoter
"We're confident because we have the contract but we're open to sitting down [with Parker's team and Joshua's team] to find an arrangement that suits all."
Negotiations to pit Joshua against Parker have most recently been described as "single digits" apart by promoter Eddie Hearn, so an agreement being reached would leave Browne without an immediate opponent.
Dillian Whyte has emerged as a possibility for Browne, with a February 3 date at The O2 mooted by Hearn.
"No disrespect but fighting Dillian before we fight Parker would be no bad thing," Hatton said.
"Big Lucas is up for either of those fights, but it depends on the best deal that we can strike.
"Lucas has been inactive and needs to get back into the thick of it. His best attribute is his fearlessness - he went over to Chechnya to fight Ruslan Chagaev and there are not many people who would fancy doing that."
Browne won the WBA 'regular' title by stopping Chagaev but was stripped when he failed a post-fight drug test, only to then be exonerated. A suspension for another failed test, which Browne insisted was accidental, ended last summer.
"I just think he is an utter bigmouth," Browne said about Whyte before his 25th career win last June. "He's talked his way into a position where he is coming up to a world title fight, which is great, but I just want to punch him in the face. I really don't like him.
"I would really like to see myself in a fight where I don't like the other person, because I think it's going to be very entertaining."
Whyte has also been in negotiations to challenge WBC champion Deontay Wilder while a rematch with Joshua remains possible, but Browne is a viable option.
Hearn said this week: "Whyte may fight Browne, particularly if Joshua gets the Parker fight, because Browne is in the mix for that one too.
"2018 will see Dillian Whyte challenge for a world heavyweight title."
