The Hornet to defend his title in the lights of Las Vegas

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones today congratulated Queensland sporting hero Jeff Horn on signing a multi-million-dollar deal to defend his title in Las Vegas next month.

Horn will defend his WBO World Welterweight Title, going up against American boxer and former world champion in two weight classes, Terence Crawford.

Horn cemented his place as one of the world’s top boxers after beating boxing legend Manny Pacquiao in the Battle of Brisbane 1 in July last year, followed by a crushing win over English challenger Gary Corcoran, retaining his belt in the Battle of Brisbane 2 in December.

The Premier said Jeff was an exceptional sportsman who had gone from a school teacher in Acacia Ridge to a champion boxer, doing Queensland proud.

“Jeff is an incredibly talented boxer and a hardworking, humble hometown hero we are all proud of,” she said.

“Queenslanders will be in Jeff’s corner once again as he prepares to battle it out in the ring, this time in Las Vegas.”

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Battles of Brisbane 1 and 2 had delivered significant benefits for Queensland’s tourism economy.

“More than 51,000 fans turned out at Suncorp Stadium to watch Jeff battle it out with Manny Pacquiao while an estimated TV audience of 500 million tuned in around the world, making it the biggest fight in Australian history,” she said.

“The fight brought international and interstate visitors to Queensland, boosting Brisbane hotel and restaurant traffic, and injecting $25 million into our economy.

“In the year to September, Brisbane experienced record visitation – major events like the Battle of Brisbane were a big part of this success. “Now Jeff, the local legend from Queensland, will fight under the lights of Las Vegas, putting the spotlight and the eyes of the world back on our home state.”

Media contact:

Jack Harbour: 0419 620 447