Wednesday 9 March 2016 13:07, UK
Lucas Browne could target the winner of Anthony Joshua's world title fight against IBF champion Charles Martin, says his promoter Ricky Hatton.
The unbeaten Australian claimed the WBA belt after he pulled off a stunning 10th round stoppage win over Ruslan Chagaev in Russia on Saturday night.
Browne, who is the first Aussie to hold a version of the heavyweight world title, overcame a knockdown in the sixth round and then floored Chagaev before dramatically halting his opponent with a barrage of punches.
This bout was staged as part of a WBA heavyweight tournament, with the eventual winner scheduled to fight WBA 'super' champion Tyson Fury, and Browne is next expected to face Fres Oquendo if the Puerto Rican has successfully recovered from a shoulder injury.
But Hatton is determined to reward Browne for his heroic efforts and will weigh up lucrative offers, including a possible challenge to the winner of Joshua-Martin on April 9, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
"It depends on the situation with Oquendo. Rules are rules and sometimes there is no way we can get round them," Hatton told Sky Sports.
"But yeah, that is an absolutely definite fight. But for the time being, let Lucas sit back and enjoy winning the heavyweight title and then when offers come in, or we make an offer, we won't make a move without Lucas' input as well.
"We're a team and a family at Hatton promotions, so let him enjoy his moment for a little bit and we might have a few ideas of our own. There are a few ways we can go and Lucas will be involved every step of the way."
Browne had to wait for his shot at Chagaev, rather than risk his mandatory status in a warm-up bout, which led to criticism of his promoter Hatton on social media.
But the former two-weight world champion believes they have both proved their point and hopes to stage Browne's next fight either in Britain or Australia.
"It's not long since Lucas was working the doors in Australia, so to come to a heavyweight championship, it's a massive achievement for Lucas and equally for us," said Hatton.
There is some really big fights for Lucas. We're on the world scene and the heavyweight scene in the United Kingdom, where Lucas has a fantastic following.
"I shouldn't really get upset with people on social media, because they are fight fans, but knowing boxing and how the promoting side works, it's two different stories.
"It was a bit frustrating, knowing the job I've done with Lucas and getting the stick I was, but it's come out good in the end. There are some really big fights for Lucas. We're on the world scene and the heavyweight scene in the United Kingdom, where Lucas has a fantastic following.
"We had Lucas box there on several occasions, so he's known to the British boxing public, and there are endless opportunities for Lucas now and no-one deserves it more than himself."
