Jeff Horn agrees to stage future blockbuster in Brisbane

If world champion Jeff Horn ever fights the legendary Manny Pacquiao again one thing is for sure – the bout will take place in Brisbane.

Horn has agreed to only stage a potential rematch against Manny Pacquiao at Suncorp Stadium, paving the way for a trilogy of blockbuster Brisbane bouts. 

While any potential deal would still require the agreement of Pacquiao through his promoter Top Rank, Horn through Duco Events has agreed with Tourism and Events Queensland and the Brisbane City Council through Brisbane Marketing that he would only stage the event at Suncorp.

The deal comes as Horn today came face-to-face for the first time with his next challenger, English boxer Gary Corcoran, who will challenge for the WBO World Welterweight Championship at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on December 13.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones said Horn’s commitment to only stage a potential rematch with Pacquiao in Brisbane brought the next Battle of Brisbane one step closer.

“Duco Events continues to work with Manny Pacquiao’s camp to try to lock in a date for a potential rematch, but we couldn’t be happier to have secured an agreement with the Horn camp that Jeff will only participate in that rematch if it is held in Brisbane,” she said.

“After his rousing victory in July, we vowed that any rematch would be held in Brisbane and this agreement brings that one step closer.

“The first Battle of Brisbane was a global event and one of the most successful in Queensland’s history, so to be staging a second and potentially a third in the future is a real coup for Brisbane and the State.

“In the meantime, it’s great to welcome Gary Corcoran to Queensland. He’ll spend a few days getting to know the city before returning later in the year to challenge Jeff at what will be a world-class event at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“The Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland in partnership with Brisbane City Council through Brisbane Marketing and Duco Events have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to make this happen and we know the event will be well supported by Jeff’s growing fan base.”

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the Jeff Horn v Gary Corcoran bout would once again position Brisbane internationally as a destination of choice for world-class events.

“I am delighted that our own Jeff Horn will get to defend his world championship title right here in Brisbane after his thrilling win against Manny Pacquiao at Suncorp Stadium in July,” Cr Quirk said.

“We are expecting a capacity crowd at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and for millions more to tune in from overseas.

“The bout with Gary Corcoran and any future rematch with Manny Pacquiao will deliver many flow on economic benefits for the city’s tourism, retail and hospitality sectors, and once again showcase our city as a sporting and lifestyle destination to the world. 

"This event will complete a feast of major international sporting events over three weeks including the Ashes and the semi-final and final of the Rugby League World Cup being at Suncorp Stadium.”

Media contact: Jack Harbour 0419 620 447