Former WBA ‘regular’ heavyweight champion Lucas Browne has signed a multi-fight deal with bare-knuckle boxing promotion BKB.
The 37-fight (31-6) pro boxing veteran will balance his gloved career with his new venture, while his BKB debut is expected to be announced soon.
Browne became an unlikely heavyweight champion in 2016 when he blasted away Ruslan Chagaev in a stunning come-from-behind victory in Russia.
However, he didn’t hold onto his belt for long as he was subsequently stripped by the WBA after failing a pre-fight drug test for the banned substance clenbuterol.
In the years that followed, Browne went on to trade wins and losses with varying levels of opposition, including two notable stoppage defeats to Brits Dillian Whyte and Dave Allen in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
At the time of writing, the 46-year-old is riding a three-fight skid in the paid ranks, although he is hoping to turn his fortunes around in bare-knuckle boxing.
“Hey everyone, just want to say how excited I am for signing with BKB,” said Browne in a video uploaded to BKB’s social media channels.
“It’s like my second coming if you will.
“All the mind is right and is where it should be, and I’m very excited to be back in amongst everything.
“So, along with some boxing here and there, I am very excited to be able to throw down some hands and see what I am made of.
“So exciting things to come and watch this space.”
Who else fights for BKB?
Browne becomes the latest high-profile signing to BKB’s growing roster.
Former IBF super lightweight world champion Paulie Malignaggi put pen to paper on a three-fight deal with the promotional outfit in June.
‘The Magic Man’ was set to make his company debut against ex-English super lightweight title holder Tyler Goodjohn in September.
However, the bout was postponed until October 18 after the American sustained a sprained thumb in training.
Other notable names in BKB’s stable include former UFC fighters Desmond Green, Jack Marshman, and Bradley Scott.
The promotion’s next event is set to take place on September 6 in Bristol, headlined by James Connelly vs Martin Refell.
You can watch the full show for free on the talkSPORT Boxing YouTube channel.