Undefeated Lucas Browne (23-0, 20 KOs), the first Australian to win the Commonwealth (British Empire) heavyweight title since Peter Jackson in 1892 (an event witnessed by Buffalo Bill himself), will now be trained by the legendary Nigel Benn, as well as by Rodney Williams. “Big Daddy” had previously been trained by another boxing legend, Jeff Fenech.

“Can Lucas become a champion?” said Benn. “Absolutely! He has the potential to go all the way. He is a big old boy, he can hit hard and has natural ability and talent. He has good movement and we would love to help him to do the things he hasn’t done before so he can walk through his opponents. I want him to do things that heavyweights can’t do. Lucas has a vision and I know Rodney and I can help him to achieve his goals. I believe Lucas Browne will become Australia’s first heavyweight champion of the world.”

Williams agrees. “Undoubtedly Lucas Browne can become the next heavyweight champ,” he said. “I see the potential he has and I’m looking forward to working with him to use and abuse the athleticism of a man of his size. I relish the opportunity to help the man mountain make Australian boxing history.”

The 36-year-old—who most recently fought last month, knocking out Julius Long in the ninth—won the vacant WBA Inter-Continental title by decisioning Andriy Rudenko in August 2014, Rudenko joining Clarence Tillman and James Toney as the only ones who have thus far gone the distance with the tattooed titan. The power-punching Aussie is third-ranked by the WBA and is the sanctioning body’s mandatory challenger to WBA World champ Ruslan Chagaev.

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.