Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones today announced progress on the deal between Tourism and Events Queensland, Duco Events and Brisbane City Council, through Brisbane Marketing, that would see Horn defend his WBO World Welterweight Championship belt in December at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The Premier said she was determined to finalise the deal to allow Horn to defend the belt he took off Manny Pacquiao at the Battle of Brisbane in July in front of his adoring home fans.
“After Jeff became world champion in July, I was determined to lock in a deal that would see him defend his championship belt right here in Brisbane and I’m delighted to say that is looking like becoming a reality,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“While the deal is not quite done, it would see Jeff defend his belt at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre where we expect a crowd of up to 8000 people will turn out to cheer on the home town hero.
“My Government backs Jeff Horn. He is a Queenslander and his victory in July not only filled Suncorp Stadium and pubs and clubs around the State, but broadcast Queensland to tens of millions overseas.
"If our bid is successful, Queenslanders will get two Boxing Days in December and another bout in the New Year.”
"The total TV audience for the three fights could be half a billion people.”
"We backed Jeff in his first fight, and once again we have the support of the Lord Mayor. He knows the benefits for Brisbane."
Ms Jones said the deal was becoming a reality thanks to the strong partnership working behind the scenes.
“I want to thank Tourism and Events Queensland, Brisbane Marketing and Lord Mayor Graham Quirk as well as Duco Events for working so hard to secure this deal which will see Jeff fight in Brisbane once again,” she said.
“We know events like this pack a punch for Queensland attracting thousands of tourists and beaming the best of our state to the world.
“These major events are more than just one-off sporting spectacles, they are a chance to put Brisbane and Queensland on an elevated global platform and showcase to the world our unique and unbeatable tourism experiences.
“Queenslanders love Jeff Horn and we all want to see him succeed.
“Duco Events, Tourism and Events Queensland and Brisbane Marketing put on an amazing show last time and I’m confident this bout will also be a success.”
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk confirmed Council would be supporting world champion Jeff Horn’s title defence in December at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
"This fight will complete a feast of major international sporting events over three weeks including the Ashes and the semi-final and final of the Rugby League World Cup being at Suncorp Stadium," he said.
"These major events will deliver a significant economic boost to the city with a boost in hotel rooms nights and the flow on economic benefits and local jobs.
"Jeff Horn is the defending world champion and this major event will promote Brisbane around the world and attract a lot of interest."
No comments:
Post a Comment