Australian heavyweight Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne has announced his retirement from professional boxing.
Browne suffered a first-round defeat to New Zealand prospect Hemi Ahio on the undercard of Vasiliy Lomachenko-George Kambosos Jr. at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, leaving his final record at 31-6 (27 KO).
Browne, 45, shocked Junior Fa in a round in 2022, but he has lost his last three, including a shootout with Jarrell Miller in Dubai last March.
Browne beat the 2013 version of James Toney, stopped Jason Gavern in three, defeated Travis Walker and boxed the likes of Ruslan Chagaev, whom he beat for a WBA title, and Dillian Whyte. He turned pro in 2009, and has boxed in Dubai, the U.K., China, Australia and Russia.
“I am incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished in the ring, and I am deeply thankful to all the fans who have supported me along the way. I hope you were entertained; win, lose or draw,” said Browne.
“It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to embark on the next chapter of my life with my family and continue to contribute to the sport through my gym.”
Browne’s manager Matt Clark also weighed in on the announcement, highlighting Browne’s remarkable journey from turning pro in his 30s without any amateur background to becoming a world champion.
Said Clark: “Lucas Browne’s accomplishments in the ring are nothing short of extraordinary. He will go down as one of the greatest Australian heavyweights ever, and his victory over Ruslan Chagaev stands as one of the most significant moments in Australian boxing history.
“But perhaps one of Lucas’ greatest traits is that he always has time for the fans of the sport. He never turns anyone back for a photo or an autograph. The sport is richer for having him in it.”
In 2016, Browne, due to a positive drug test, was stripped of the title he won from Chagaev. Chagaev never fought again, and Browne had another adverse finding for performance-enhancing drugs ahead of a proposed fight with Shannon Briggs.
Browne was also the only Australian heavyweight to capture the Commonwealth title in more than 100 years.
Former sparring mate and active cruiserweight Jai Opetaia wrote on X of Browne: “A true warrior. Sparred many, many rounds over the years. Enjoy your retirement Lucas.”
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