Lucas Browne and Mahmoud Charr fled in Dubai after advertiser was banned

In a cautionary tale for boxers working with lesser-known promoters, Lucas Browne and Mahmoud Charr were dumped in Dubai.

A heavyweight bout between the pair will take place on December 17 in the region, the title being a show hosted by Iconic Promotions. The main event was dubbed ‘WBC Fight for Peace’ on promotional materials.

When the boxers arrived, under and all, the Middle East Professional Boxing Commission considered the event ‘couldn’t go ahead and comply with safety and health standards to operate it safely.’

It was later revealed that the promoter had failed at a fundamental level when it came to organizing a boxing gig – without a license or venue specifically – and that the company was banned from operating in the area. The man behind it, whom Charr called Andre Spencer, was could not be reached for comment.

Charr, formerly Manuel, now Mahmoud, tells Boxing of the challenge.

“I am very sad about what happened. What kind of promotion does this do for us? We are all here, having flown in from all over the world. We train, we practice, we are ready to fight. But what happened now – damn Andre Spencer.

He didn’t make the fight go, he lied to all of us, the fighters, the promoters, the managers. And now, I come to this hotel, and some of the people who fight here are taking to the streets because the hotel is not paid. We have signed the contract, everyone is ready.”