Brisbane to host historic World Title Boxing bout

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today confirmed Brisbane will host the biggest boxing match in Australia’s history between Queensland’s own Jeff Horn and world champion Manny Pacquiao.

Ms Palaszczuk said the highly-anticipated blockbuster world title bout would take place on 2 July 2017 at Suncorp Stadium.

“After months of speculation, I am pleased to say we’re finally all in the ring for this fight to go ahead,” she said.

“Up to 55,000 boxing fans from across Australia and the world are expected to fill Suncorp Stadium to see the local teacher taking on one of the biggest names in boxing history, on his home turf.

“We look forward to welcoming all those fans to Brisbane to experience all our city and state have to offer.

“The match is a highlight on the state’s major event calendar and is set to deliver an expected $15.8 million economic boost to the city.”

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones said securing the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Welterweight World Title Fight was a major coup for Brisbane and the local tourism industry.

“We’ve always said we’d be keen to host a boxing match of this calibre, as long as it stacked up for Queensland taxpayers, so I’m pleased we’ve been able to reach a deal with all parties,” she said.

“Brisbane will be pumping as the nation gets behind our local champion Jeff Horn, to see him take on the current Welterweight World Title holder, Manny Pacquiao.

“This blockbuster event will raise Queensland’s profile in many of our key international tourism markets including the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, China and South East Asia.

“The historic world title fight is expected to be televised on leading networks across 150 countries around the world.

“Our message to visitors is come to Brisbane and enjoy the best of what the city has to offer and take this opportunity to stay on to experience a Queensland holiday.”

Minister for Sport, Mick de Brenni said elite boxing attracts some of the largest audiences of any sport.

“Hosting a bout of this calibre between such notorious rivals will create history as the first ever at Suncorp Stadium,” he said.

“Queensland has always punched above our weight in most sports and now we've cemented our state as the premier venue for major events in Australia.

“We've seen plenty of State of Origin legends throw some punches here but this spectacle of the kid from Brisbane taking on a boxing legend, will be something people will talk about for years to come.

“Installation of new screens is underway at Suncorp Stadium, and if everything goes to plan we'll see Horn v. Pacquiao in massive, high definition LED."

The WBO Welterweight World Title match was secured by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland in partnership with the Brisbane City Council and Suncorp Stadium.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the international bout was a great coup for Brisbane and would be an important addition to the city’s major events schedule.

“Hosting the World-Title fight will place Brisbane firmly in the international spotlight and once again demonstrate the city’s ability to host world-class events,” he said.

“Major events like this contribute more than $100 million to Brisbane’s growing economy every year, and together with our wider tourism industry supports 64,700 local jobs.”

Duco Events Director Dean Lonergan said Duco was excited to be part of bringing the biggest boxing event in Australian history to Suncorp Stadium. 

“The ‘Battle of Brisbane’ has taken a lot of effort from a big team of people working together to make this happen,” he said.

“The negotiations have involved many people – from Bob Arum, Manny Pacquiao and the team at Top Rank, to the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, Brisbane City Council, through Brisbane Marketing, and Suncorp Stadium, and to Jeff Horn and trainer Glenn Rushton.

“The patience, professionalism and vision of all parties to make this happen has been outstanding.

“Now let's get on the business of filling Suncorp Stadium to watch Queensland's best, Jeff Horn, being showcased to the world as he wins the ‘Battle of Brisbane’ and takes the WBO World Welterweight title from one of boxing's all-time greats." 

Media contact: Minister Jones’ Office –Emma Clarey – 0437 069 516