FORMER undisputed heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe believes boxing fans will be hailing a new “Big Daddy” on March 5. The Brooklyner ruled the roost in the land of the giants back in the early ’90s, beating the likes of Evander Holyfield, Bruce Seldon and Michael Dokes.
And now he’s tipping Australia’s Lucas Browne to follow in his footsteps by halting reigning WBA champion Ruslan Chagaev in Grozny, Chechnya.
“I’m throwing my support behind Lucas Browne, the Thunder from Down Under! To have the “Big Daddy” nickname live on is something that I’m really happy about,” Bowe, 48, said.
“Lucas is going to rock Ruslan Chagaev with that big right hammer of his and get hold of the WBA belt that I once proudly owned.
“Australia, you need to support your man just like the people of New York supported me when I was in the trenches with Evander Holyfield.
“Lucas, I’m telling you to take this opportunity and etch your name in boxing history. I’m right behind you, brother.”
Bowe is just the latest former champion to come out in support of Browne.
The Sydney man already has the backing of two British legends in the shape of promoter Ricky Hatton and assistant trainer Nigel Benn, but last week former heavyweight kingpin Hasim “The Rock” Rahman threw his weight behind Browne’s cause and boldly predicted that the Aussie will knock Chagaev out in similar fashion to the way he dealt with Lennox Lewis in their first tussle 15 years ago.
Browne said: “It gives me a real boost having the likes of Riddick Bowe and Hasim Rahman getting behind me.
“I remember watching Riddick’s three wars with Evander Holyfield and they were something special. Three absolute wars, some of the best heavyweight boxing we’ve ever seen.
“Of course, I share the same nickname as Riddick and I’m hoping I can emulate him on March 5 and become heavyweight champion.”
