I think Browne was juiced up against Chagaev. But when he fought Whyte he looked slow and rusty must have been off gear then.
Could it just be that he was never all that good? He was outboxed in stretches by Rudencko and Chagaev was outboxing him till Browne caught him. He was a big lump with a large punch who's chin bit off more than it could chew
What is you definition of "shot to bits"? He barely beat an old, inactive, fat as **** Chagaev. It was a come from behind KO. So there is no need to act as if Whyte beat a past prime Browne. Browne always was ****. He got knocked down numerous times by club fighters. He overachieved by beating a way past it Chagaev.
He was definitely not as trim as he was against Chagaev. I have a bit of a soft spot for Browne. He's pretty lacking in skill and doesn't seem to have much punch resistance or natural ability of any kind, but he's strong as an ox, and the only man to legitimately KO the iron-chinned Chagaev. Seems like a decent fella too. I'll always root for him, even if wahtever best days he once had are behind him.
Browne was never that good. Caught Chagaev at the right time, plus had a little bit of luck going for him. Whyte hung tough though long enough to land the big punch. Against Whyte he was overweight and ill prepared, and just KOed in sparring by Chisora..........wearing those big sparring gloves. So Browne's a pretty good fighter, nice guy, but no world beater. In hindsight, kinda amazing what he accomplished with his skill set.
Browne was NEVER any good, on gear or not. He beat an old, fat Chagaev, after Chagaev had almost knocked him out. Thats his one notable victory.
