Browne to meet Towers in 'Ashes' of unbeaten heavyweights

"To be honest I couldn't care less about cricket, but I am excited about the fight and am doing all I can to win," says the unbeaten Perth puncher.

Browne boxes 6ft 8in giant Towers in a final eliminator for the Commonwealth heavyweight title at the Melbourne Pavilion. Last year, the pair spent time sparring together at Brendan Ingle's legendary Wincobank gym in Sheffield, and have been firm friends ever since.

"I learnt a great deal from sparring and hanging around Richard. I learnt firstly that I'm not the biggest guy around, and sometimes I have to be the smaller guy.

"I also learnt that he's a gentleman and equally focused on his career and family.

Towers hasn't fought since picking up the vacant European Union heavyweight title against Frenchman Gregory Tony in June last year.

"I think that could make him a little rusty and possibly a step behind," said Browne. "I'm coming off three KO wins and 12 round decision with a legend (albeit a faded one - James Toney) in that same time."

Victory over Towers would put the Aussie in line for a clash with British and Commonwealth chammpion David Price, and Browne says it’s a fight more than willing to travel over 10,000 miles for.

Price recently suffered a second consecutive loss American southpaw Tony 'The Tiger' Thompson, and needs to bounce back, but it's unsure whether he will defend the Commonwealth title, or vacate.

"David Price is in a position where he needs to decide whether boxing at that level is really for him," Browne stated.

"If he wants to defend his title, I’d be happy, of course, if Hatton Promotions would stage such a great fight in Australia, but anyway I would also be more than happy to come to the UK to fight him."

Browne's manager and trainer Matt Clark added: "We're within touching distance of Lucas getting a shot at the Commonwealth title and we're thankful to Hatton Promotions for getting us in this position.

"Big Daddy is coming off a top 12 round victory against James Toney. He's hungry to take the next step on July 25. He's prepared very well and we're confident he will be successful on the night.

"We have plenty of respect for Richard and his team. You'll notice a lack of trash talk in the lead up to the bout. It's a contest that doesn't need verbal jibes to create interest. It's just a damn good heavyweight fight."

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