Marcus Browne has been climbing up the ranks in a loaded light heavyweight division and now he has an opportunity to become a true contender.
Browne will be fighting Badou Jack for the interim WBA light heavyweight title on January 19 and it will be the biggest fight of his career. It will also be the biggest fight of the 28-year-old’s career and first against a former world champion.
But it will be Browne’s first scheduled 12-round fight of his career. Most of Browne’s fights end swiftly with Browne knocking out his opponents left and right, but could be facing some trouble trying to take out Jack. In a recent conference call, Browne told Fightful that he’s ready to go the full 12 rounds against Jack, but remained coy when asked if he made any adjustments to his training in preparation for this bout.
“That’s for me to work on and for you to see on January 19. At the end of the day, I know the kind of fighter that he is. He’s a tough fighter and we’re prepared for that. We got great sparring partners so come January 19, you’ll see if I’m in shape or not,” Browne said.
A win over Jack would immediately send him to the top of the contenders list and on the cusp of fighting for a world title. Browne isn’t lost on the significance of the fight, but said he refuses to allow this fight be his lasting legacy as a boxer.
“Sh*t. Excuse my French, but I’ve won my fight against every fighter that has stepped into the ring. No fighter is going to define my legacy as a fighter coming up. At the end of day, it’s all a part of God’s plan, you know? It’s already written and I’m just living out my dream taking it one day and one step at a time and one fighter at a time. Badou Jack does not define my legacy and whether or not they know I’m a player in the light heavyweight division, just know that my performance in this fight will [determine that],” Browne said.
The fight between Jack and Browne will be one of four title bouts set to take place on the January 19 pay-per-view card with Manny Pacquiao vs. Adrien Broner for the WBA “Regular” welterweight title serving as the main event.
