Boxing superstar, who Logan likes to call their own, will again have huge numbers watching his latest fight against Tim Tszyu on August 26.
The former Springwood State High School teacher fights Tszyu at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium and will have more than 1 million people around the world watching on.
Tszyu is son of another former champion Kostya Tszyu.
The state government, which is stumping up cash for the fight to go ahead, announced that broadcast deals had been secured in several major international tourism markets such as Europe, Asia, the United States, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
“With broadcast deals now confirmed for several key countries, we’re expecting up to a million fans around the world that will be tuning in for this fight,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
Tourism Minister Kate Jones said more than 10,000 tickets had been sold to the fight.
“This will be the knockout fight of the year for boxing fans tuning in throughout the world,” Ms Jones said.
Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni met with Jeff ‘the Hornet’ Horn for his last public training session in Brisbane today before he heads to North Queensland for his bout next week.
“Sport is crucial to Queensland’s recovery efforts,” he said.
“Jeff looks like he’s in great shape. Here’s hoping the Hornet takes home the win.”
Horn said he was looking forward to boxing’s state of origin clash.
“I can’t wait to do Queensland proud in front of a home crowd at Townsville’s new stadium,” he said.
“I want to try to bring a bit of joy to North Queensland. Everyone has been doing it tough this year, so the fact we can bring this event to Townsville to give people something to cheer about and help support the local economy makes me incredibly humbled as a Queenslander.
“We’re thankful for the support of the Queensland Government for getting behind this event. I’ll be doing my bit to make Queenslanders proud as I take on a New South Welshman in boxing’s state of origin.”
