Bigger and Better Tony Browne building into a top heavyweight

Tony Browne believes there is room to get bigger and thus better as he sets off on a heavyweight journey.

With Joe Ward being the main man at light heavy, Browne’s natural weight, the Dublin amateur decided to explore his options at heavyweight.

It’s not as if the 22-year-old can’t make the 81kg limit, he would do it comfortably, it seems he believes he best Toyko 2020 hopes lie 10 kilograms above.

So far the increase in mass hasn’t slowed down the St Michael’s Inchicore man’s rate of progress. The fighter, who lost out to Ward in last year’s Senior Elite final and to eventual winner Caoimhin Agyarko in this year’s competition, proved he has the ability to perform against the big men when winning gold at a multi-nations tournament in Holland over the weekend.

Three wins in three days, including a triumph over Dutch star and multi major international medallist Peter Mullenberg in the semis, saw Browne join Michael Avetisian and Gabriel Dossen as gold winners in the Eindhoven Box Cup.

The top podium finish should give Browne big man confidence but he does hint that he may improve further if he added some gurt to his guile.

“As for being a heavyweight, I’ve a long way to go yet. My S&C coach Jason Kane has really strengthened me up and I think that showed over the weekend,” Browne told Irish-Boxing.com after returning to Dublin.

“The guys I boxed were a lot bigger and heavier but that never caused me too much trouble and I felt strong in the exchanges. Steven [O’Rourke, coach] and I have been working on my inside work and I think that really came though over the weekend. Everyone knows I can box but I can fight too,” added the Rathmines man before seemingly leaving the light heavy door open.

While Ward rules the roost at 81kg, the 91kg is also talent-packed with Kirill Afanasev, Kenny Okungbowa, Kevin Sheehy, and Dee Sullivan all gunning for next year’s title – and a spot on the team heading to the European Games in Minsk.

Browne, who gave Ward the fright of his life last year,noted that “I’ve still got plenty of decisions to make over the next while.”

While his performances were impressive and he added a known name to his resume, becoming the first man to defeat Olympian Mullenberg in Holland, Browne wasn’t getting overly excited by the tournament win.

He was content that all aspects of his game were brought to the fore over the three days but suggests there is a ‘work in progress’ element at present.

“I’m happy with my wins and performances but I won’t get ahead of myself, it’s all part of the process. I’ll look back and study where adjustments are needed but I’ve a fair idea what needs to be done in the gym.”

“I used a bit of everything over the weekend. I boxed a little, went to war, and slided and glided. So it was nice to test my metal across the board.”

“The tournament was great for myself and all the other boxers. Young Ryan O’Rourke was beaten on a split but he’s really come age and is gonna be some fighter. Gabriel Dossen and Michael Avetisian we’re both clinical in their performances also.”