LUCAS “BIG DADDY” BROWNE has fast earned a reputation as one of the heavyweight division’s hard hitters, but he won’t necessarily be looking for an early finish this Friday night.

The unbeaten Australian banger faces Masataka Takehara at Lions in Richlands, Queensland and knows he’s likely to have a tough bout on his hands.

Japan’s Takehara has a modest record of seven wins, seven defeats and three draws, but is regarded as someone who gives his all when sharing the ring with men from down under, having held Pieter Cronje and Alex Leapai to draws.

“I’m not looking past Takehara,” Browne said. “He’s proven he’s a tough guy by drawing with Leapai and Cronje.

“It’s an eight round bout and I’m prepared to go the distance if needs be. If the knockout comes, then so be it.

“I’m really looking forward to getting in the ring again. My last outing was against Jason Gavern and I’d like to improve on that performance. I’ve trained hard for this bout and I believe you’ll see that with the result”.

While Lucas is quickly moving towards a Commonwealth title fight, his manager Matt Clark believes a massive all-Aussie showdown with the aforementioned Leapai could soon be on the cards.

However, he’s keen to stress that they are happy to come to UK and face David Price if Liverpudlian wants the fight.

“Lucas will look to better Leapai’s result against the tough Japanese veteran,” he said.

“There’s been a bit of talk about a potential showdown with Alex later in the year, so a good win here for Lucas will be a useful measuring stick, to see where he’s at.

“We’ve called out David Price before as well and now that he needs to rebuild somewhat, perhaps he’ll defend his Commonwealth title against us.”

He added: “Hatton Promotions have been fantastic in helping Lucas continue his development as a boxer. Many people aren’t aware that he had zero amateur fights and he’s still learning on the run.

“One thing you can’t teach is power and I believe Lucas Browne hits as hard as any heavyweight in the world.”