Former world heavyweight champion Lucas Browne believes Australia’s new KO king Teremoana Teremoana has all the tools to make a serious impact in the professional ranks – and says a national title is already well within reach.
“Big Daddy”, who became the first Aussie to ever win a piece of the world heavyweight boxing title in 2016, has been keeping an eye on Teremoana’s development and is impressed by what he sees.
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His comments come as Teremoana prepares for a dangerous step up this Wednesday night against hard-hitting veteran Bowie Tupou in Melbourne.
The heavyweight showdown is part of the opening act of a major Australian push from UK promoter Eddie Hearn, who is set to stage seven shows Down Under in 2026.
The Matchroom Boxing show will be headlined by Australia’s interim WBC super bantamweight champ Skye Nicolson taking on Mariah Turner.
Speaking this week, Browne said the towering Olympian would have little trouble mixing it with the best heavyweights in the country.
“I love his work and fighting style and efforts,” Browne told Fox Sports Australia.
Asked if Teremoana could win the Australian title in the near future, Browne didn’t hesitate.
“Yes, 100 per cent,” he replied.
“Easily.”
Teremoana’s most recent win came just last month, when he flattened American Curtis Harper – the eighth time he has scored a first-round knockout.
Lucas Browne and Teremoana TeremoanaSource: FOX SPORTS
In 10 professional wins, the heavy-hitter has only been taken beyond the opening round twice, quickly making him one of the most exciting fighters in the country.
The fight looms as a real test for the unbeaten 28-year-old – and a chance to punch his ticket to a blockbuster Aussie title showdown with Stevan Ivic.
“It looks like he’s got great power and size,” said Browne, who stands 6’5” (196cm).
“He’s bigger than me!”
Browne revealed he has met Teremoana and even offered some simple but important advice.
“Fitness. Fitness. Fitness,” Browne said he told the 28-year-old.
“Staying active and not dropping off in the later rounds is very important as a heavyweight.
“Sparring is important – but I also recommend the assault bike. It’s easier on the joints of the bigger fighters.”
Browne said he isn’t convinced Teremoana is world title-quality just yet – but stressed the heavyweight division is one where fighters often peak later, and the big man has plenty of time on his side.
“I started fighting professionally at age 30,” said Browne, who went on to famously win the WBA heavyweight strap from Ruslan Chagaev seven years later.
Browne says Teremoana now simply needs to keep building his profile as he rises through the ranks.
“He just needs those little tests along the way,” he said.
“It forces you to either step up or fold.
Australian heavyweight boxer Teremoana TeremoanaSource: FOX SPORTS
“But all these knockouts are great for his confidence and wellbeing – and for building that reputation.”
Browne is not alone in his praise.
Former Australian heavyweight champ Bob Mirovic recently told Fox Sports Australia the rising prospect has “all the attributes to make it”, while cautioning he must remain focused.
Mirovic, who shared the ring with the likes of Joe Bugner, Nikolai Valuev and Frans Botha — and also sparred with Mike Tyson — said discipline would be key to long-term success.
Another former national titleholder, Ben Edwards, added he will be watching Teremoana’s progress very closely.
Promoter Hearn, meanwhile, admits matching the towering heavyweight has already become a headache.
“If there are any Australian heavyweights watching this interview right now, step up and fight our man Teremoana Teremoana,” he said.
“It’s so difficult to get Australian heavyweights to face this man.
“He’s an absolute monster.
“He’s so good that they had to name him twice.
“And I believe that you’re looking at the future heavyweight champion.”
Meanwhile, another Australian star Browne holds in the highest regard is world champion Jai Opetaia – and he’d love to see him one day challenge heavyweight kingpin Oleksandr Usyk.
“Jai was my main sparring partner for my world title fight,” Browne said.
“I love that guy – I’m so proud of him.
“I was fighting a lefty and Jai would drive down to the Blacktown PCYC all the time for me.
“I wasn’t surprised when he won the title. He’s been sparring big boys all his life.
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“I think he beats all the champions in his division before moving up to heavyweight – just like Usyk.
“And I think he could win a title up there, too.”