'Battle of Brisbane' set to be Australia’s biggest ever bout

The upcoming 'Battle of Brisbane' boxing contest between local school teacher Jeff Horn and Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao has officially become the biggest fight in Australia’s history after ticket sales hit the 40,000-seat mark this week.

Commenting on the potential crowd numbers for the highly-anticipated 2nd July fight at Suncorp Stadium, Queensland Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones stated "with 40,000 tickets already sold it will be the biggest boxing crowd ever seen in Australia.

“This fight also has the potential to host a record Suncorp Stadium crowd of 55,000 fans, with more than a month to go.

“The chance to see our local hero take on one of the greatest boxers of all time is an opportunity too good to miss."

Expected to provide an economic boost of more than $23 million the event looks set to break the current crowd record for a boxing match in Australia - the 38,000 people who saw Azumah Nelson beat Jeff Fenech in Melbourne in 1992.

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

Minister Jones adde "this fight is a highlight on the state’s major events calendar and will raise Queensland’s profile in many of our key international tourism markets, including South East Asia."

Duco Events Director Dean Lonergan added "we are excited by the interest shown in this ground-breaking event and can’t wait for the world to witness what will be an epic clash at an ideal stadium for boxing.

“A result like this could not have been achieved without Tourism and Events Queensland and Brisbane Marketing recognising the value that events generate for the economy and local community.

“With partners like TEQ and BM, we are better able to maximise this impact for the region.”

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the record-breaking bout would ensure widespread global interest and exposure for Brisbane, concluding "illions of people will be watching from around the world to witness one of the biggest sporting contests of 2017.

“Hosting the world title boxing event will place Brisbane firmly in the international spotlight and once again demonstrate our city’s ability to host world-class international events."

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