Lawrence Lustig

Former world heavyweight champion Lucas Browne will face two-time Australian title challenger Roger Izonritei on July 29 as the 39 year-old plots a comeback to world level.

The tough Aussie was forced to make an honest assessment of where his career was going following a crushing knockout loss to Dillian Whyte in London last March.

‘Big Daddy’ looked out of sorts when laboring for the first few rounds before being taken out by Whyte with a harrowing blow in the fifth.

Izonritei, 42, recently returned to action from a ten-year hiatus but has only won once in four contests.

Browne knows he needs to deal with Izonritei in good fashion if he’s to continue in the sport down the stretch.

The former MMA fighter is now hoping to get back to winning ways at Club Punchbowl in his native country before securing a return to the United Kingdom in a bid for redemption.

“I know I need to make a few changes, and believe me, they are being made now,” Browne exclusively told World Boxing News.

“In the Whyte fight, I wasn’t mentally there. I was okay and fully healed eleven days later but I think the inactivity and four months away from my family affected me.

“Plus, the s*** sparring (apart from Dereck Chisora) and jetlag didn’t help.

“Lots of things need to change so I can’t make sure I’m mentally prepared next time I step in the ring.”

On potentially heading back to the UK this year, Browne confirmed this was part of his plan.

“You have to think 100% because that’s where the money is. Get a win and then start looking at the big names in the UK,” Browne added.

Fast approaching his forties, time is not on Browne’s side and staying active will be key to whether or not he can launch another title challenge in the future.

With just one defeat against his name, Browne still has a solid foundation to get back up the ratings, whilst fights with the likes of Tyson Fury and Joe Joyce would be interested prospects to consider.