LUCAS BROWNE was beaten in the first round by former rugby player Paul Gallen in Australia.
Browne, who once held the WBA’s secondary ‘Regular’ world title, was counted out in the corner following a barrage of shots.
But controversy ensued as suspicious fans speculated the result was a ‘fix’ as the ex-champion failed to get to his feet.
It came as ringside footage appeared to show one of Browne’s cornermen gesturing for the heavyweight to ‘stay down’.
But reporter Brendan Bradford, who recorded the clip, responded: “People RTing this saying it’s a fix…stop pls. He got punched in the head repeatedly by an absolute savage”
Gallen, 39, has had 11 wins and one draw in his professional boxing career, which started in 2014.
He formerly played rugby league from 2006-2012 and captained Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks to the Premiership title in 2016.
Gallen warned he is preparing to stick around in the ring as he eyes further paydays and even belts.
He said: “I had confidence in my chin against a guy like this.
“The more I train and the more I spar in the sport of boxing the better I get.
“I’m a prize fighter, I’m not here for titles. I’m about taking fights that people want to see. I’ll be having as many fights as I can so I can cash in.”
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Browne, 42, is 29-3 with two of those defeats coming to Brit pair Dillian Whyte and Dave Allen.
The loss to Gallen was his first fight in two years with his career now left up in the air.
In late 2020, Browne volunteered to face unbeaten Tyson Fury, 32, before the WBC king’s UK homecoming fight was cancelled.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
