The 36 year-old has been patient in biding his time since earning the number one spot earlier this year and now stands on the cusp of confirmation that his chance will come in the spring of 2016.
“The date we have is March 5 in Grozny, but that’s not yet confirmed,” Browne told World Boxing News on Wednesday.
Promoted by Ricky Hatton, ‘Big Daddy’ has demolished his way through the rankings in putting together an impressive 23-0 record with 20 knockouts, although has largely been avoided by the top names until now.
Lack of experience on the part of Browne would hand the tag of favourite over to Chagaev as the Australian faces an uphill battle to rip the belt away from ‘The White Tyson’ in what has become his second home at the Akhmat Arena.
Having lost just twice to top opposition in 37 fights, Chagaev could earn himself a shot at Tyson Fury at some point in 2016, but will need to be weary of the power of ‘Big Daddy’ in what looks on paper to be an intriguing contest.
Digital Sports and Hatton Promotions are expected to make a formal announcement on the encounter soon.
