The eyes of the world will be on North Queensland later this month as Jeff Horn takes on Tim Tszyu at Townsville's Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Wednesday, 26 August.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said up to a million people around the world would tune in to the bout, with broadcast deals secured in several major international tourism markets such as Europe, Asia, the United States, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
"On 26 August, fans will be glued to North Queensland as Jeff 'The Hornet' Horn takes on Tim Tszyu at Townsville's Queensland Country Bank Stadium," the Premier said.
"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.
"This world class event at a world class venue we delivered is now a showstopper for promoting North Queensland as a tourist destination, ensuring people choose Queensland as their next holiday destination when it's safe to travel.
"Thanks to the way Queenslanders have handled this health crisis, we can continue to deliver Queensland's economic recovery plan. Major events are crucial to rebuilding our economy in regions like North Queensland."
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.
"We're on track for a capacity crowd in Townsville. This is a great win for local businesses and local jobs.
"More fight fans means more cash being pumped into local businesses that have really struggled throughout the coronavirus pandemic."
Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said Queensland Country Bank Stadium will play a pivotal role in Townsville's economic recovery in months and years to come. "This is exactly why we built Queensland Country Bank Stadium – to deliver world class events that pump money back into our economy and support local jobs," he said. "We love our sport in North Queensland. But this piece of infrastructure is more important than ever before. "North Queensland has done it tough, but we've rallied together to fight this disease and by listening to the advice of our health experts, we can now start to reap the benefits of great events like this."
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. "Through some of the toughest times in our history, major sporting events have brought Queenslanders together. Not only will this fight pump thousands of dollars into local businesses, it will give North Queensland some great exposure. "Townsville will be the centre of the sporting world next week. "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."
Townsville City Council Mayor Jenny Hill said the event would be an excellent showcase for the city.
"Jeff Horn versus Tim Tszyu is one of the biggest fights in the world this year and it's being held at Townsville's very own world class stadium," she said.
"Sports fans from across Australia and the world will tune in to see world class boxing and when they do they'll see the very best the Townsville and North Queensland has to offer.
"This is why Townsville City Council works so hard with its partners to attract world class events to our city - to showcase Townsville to the rest of Australia and the world. We want people to see how great our city and region is and invite them to visit when it is safe to do so."
Jeff Horn v Tim Tszyu takes place at Townsville's Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Wednesday, 26 August. Tickets are still available at www.ticketmaster.com.au.
