Palaszczuk Government secures Jeff Horn bout for Townsville

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has today announced the government has secured the latest Jeff Horn bout at Townsville’s new world-class stadium.

Ms Palaszczuk said Horn will square off against Tim Tszyu on April 22 in a major coup for Queensland’s tourism industry.

The April match is set to bring thousands of visitors to North Queensland.

“I committed to bring major attractions to the new Townsville stadium and today my government delivers,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“My government contributed the lion’s share of the stadium’s $290 million construction cost and we made that commitment to bring major events to the region and provide a major boost to North Queensland tourism.

“This fight will attract tens of thousands of people to the new Queensland Country Bank Stadium and is the perfect showcase for the region.

“When I was at the open day for the stadium last month, locals wanted to know if we could secure the Jeff Horn fight and now we have delivered.

“We built this stadium for this very reason – to attract world-class sporting events to North Queensland which in turn bring thousands of visitors and help pump millions into the local economy.

“We have already seen thousands attend the Elton John concert at the stadium and this week’s Cowboys and Broncos match – the first in the stadium - is expected to be a sell-out, attracting the stadium’s biggest crowd yet.

“Jeff Horn has grown to become one of Queensland’s favourite sporting stars. I know the people of Townsville and North Queensland will jump at the chance to see him compete in their own back yard.”

Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said it was anticipated the Horn-Tszyu match would see a significant increase in interstate tourist numbers.

“It’s the perfect opportunity for interstate boxing fans to fly to Townsville for the event and stay in the region,” Ms O’Rourke said.

“They can experience the Great Barrier Reef, get a taste of the outback or also catch a Cowboys game while they’re in town.

“We fought hard to secure this event.. I can’t wait to see Jeff Horn defend his unbeaten run competing in Queensland stadiums.”

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Horn fight was expected to pump $5.6m into the North Queensland economy and generate 24,000 visitor nights.

“This is a testament to what new infrastructure can do for tourism,” she said.

“Coronavirus is a punch in the guts for tourism operators everywhere.

“This fight couldn’t have come at a better time for local businesses.

“The new Queensland Country Bank Stadium is world class. This fight will help to showcase Townsville to thousands of Aussies. It’s a great opportunity for the tourism industry.”

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said she was thrilled that Council was able to partner with the State Government to attract another high-profile event to our city.

“In recent weeks we’ve had Elton John christen our new stadium with an absolutely blockbuster concert and we’ve had announcements of an international rugby double-header and a world-class soccer fixture, both in July,” Cr Hill said.

“These events are in addition to our North Queensland Cowboys’ home games, the first of which tomorrow night is a sell-out.

“Townsville City Council will continue to work with the State Government and other stakeholders to attract even more great content to our world class stadium.”

Promoter Dean Lonergan said Team Horn was excited to bring a major boxing event to North Queensland.

“Team Horn is incredibly excited to be coming to Townsville and be part of the first major boxing event at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. We are looking forward to an exciting event and a great build up to what will be as fantastic celebration of all Australian boxing on April 22.”

Jeff Horn said he was excited to fight in Townsville for the first time.

"This is my first time boxing in North Queensland and as a big supporter of the Cowboys, I’m looking forward to interacting with the team and their large base of supporters.

As a Queenslander, I’m proud to be part of this major event in North Queensland's greatest stadium and can't wait to walk out to 25,000 Queenslanders cheering on a Queensland victory on April 22.”

Tim Tszyu said he was looking forward to fighting in Townsville’s new stadium.

“I’m super excited to be fighting in Townsville in a big stadium. It doesn't get much better than this."

Promoter Matt Rose said Townsville was the perfect location for the fight.

“I'm happy to lock away Townsville for this super fight, it's a world -class facility that will showcase and determine the best boxer in the country.”

Tickets go on sale at 10am on Monday 16 March at ticketmaster.com.au

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Media contact: Chris Taylor 0400 990 162