Manny Pacquiao versus Jeff Horn is now Australia biggest fight – and it is still a month away.
The bout, which will be held at the 55,000-capacity Suncorp Stadium in Horn’s hometown of Brisbane on July 2, has already sold 40,000 tickets, according to Queensland’s minister for tourism and major events Kate Jones.
Jones also expressed confidence that the fight is headed for a sellout.
“We always knew this fight would pack a punch for Brisbane,” Jones said. “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,” she added.
The fight, officially called ‘Battle of Brisbane’ in Australia, will see Pacquiao staking his WBO welterweight title against the 29-year-old Horn, who, interestingly, is also a licensed school teacher.
Jones said the last time Australia had a fight of this magnitude was in 1992, when Azumah Nelson defended the WBC super featherweight championship against Australian great Jeff Fenech in their rematch.
“The current crowd record for a boxing match in Australia sits at 38,000 people who saw Azumah Nelson beat Jeff Fenech in Melbourne in 1992,” Jones explained.
Horn will have the same chance as Fenech when he tries to take Pacquiao’s title, something many Australians are very much looking forward to.
“The chance to see our local hero take on one of the greatest boxers of all time is an opportunity too good to miss,” said Jones.
Now that the stage is set for the biggest fight in Australia history, now there is to do now is await the opening bell.
Roarers, who else is excited about the upcoming bout? All I have to say is bring on July 2!
BigJ
Roar Guru
Nice to see that you are still working over there mate, haha. I think the PPV sales will go well but to match Mundine v Green 1 or Green v RJJ wil be a stretch but it is possible, its the most legitmate title fight that australia has seen since Fench v Nelson two. No one men slapping each other or two no hopers fighting it each other, its the best champ of a generation versus the local underdog a real life Rocky movie. Lets hope the result is the same and Horn pulls off the upset of the century... saw that you got an award to nice work mate.
Ben
Roar Guru
Nowhere near the biggest fight in Australian history. There may be a big crowd. But the PPV won't come close to 'Mundine vs Green 1' and 'Green vs Jones Jnr'. Horn is a 'punchers chance' at best, and even than, he's going to find it hard to hit Pacquiao. Pacquiao is nothing like any fighter Horn has fought before. He's not going to stand in front of Horn and is a shit load faster and powerful af. I hope Horn accounts for himself well in the maybe 6 rounds the fight goes for.
BigJ
Roar Guru
Well how would you judge it???
Jeff dustby
Guest
Is ticket sales the way you decide biggest fight?
BigJ
Roar Guru
Morning mate nice to see im not the only one up at 5am. Mate Horn has every chance of winning this fight he is in the ring so yes he has a chance. If boxing has taught as one thing is that one punch can change a fight and a champ not taking his opponent seriously is the biggest mistake they can make. Numerous times in the sport the underdog has claim victory. Here are just some examples of the underdog getting the unaccpted win. Ali defeating liston and then Foreman James J Braddock defeating Max Bear Leon Spinks defeating Ali George Foreman defeating Micheal Moorer And the most famous of all James Buster Douglas defeating Milke Tyson. So yes it can be done. Realistic my heart says yes but my head saids he be lucky to last six rounds. But we will see
Mark
Guest
Bigj.. Do you think Jeff horn has the ability to beat pacquiao? Horn seems really humble and I think that attitude can go a long way in any sport. As much as I'd like to see horn win this fight, realistically will pacquaios speed, angles, power and experience be too much for the Australian?
BigJ
Roar Guru
60000 reads for my articles, thanks for the support guys.