CONFIRMATION today that the world title boxing fight between Manny Pacquiao and Brisbane?s Jeff Horn at Suncorp Stadium on July 2 is a wonderful outcome for Queensland.
It is testament to the patience of the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council, Suncorp Stadium and promoter Duco Events that the event will proceed. Pacquiao, the Filipino politician, has done nothing to foster or encourage this fight.
He chased the big bucks in the United Arab Emirates in a mooted fight against Amir Khan but that was always an impossible mirage.
Now, he?s reluctantly accepted a fight with Horn in Brisbane, albeit his earnings for this bout will surpass $10 million ? not a bad return for less than an hour?s work on a lazy Brisbane winter afternoon in July.
Pacquiao, one of the greatest boxers ever, thinks he will make quick work of Horn and if you match their careers up, he may well do that. But he would be foolish to underestimate the Brisbane schoolteacher.
Horn is hungry, 10 years younger than Pacquiao and will be fighting in front of a packed Suncorp Stadium, most of whom will be on his side.
Whatever the outcome, this will be the biggest event in Queensland in 2017.
It will generate unprecedented interest in Queensland with the fight beamed into 180 countries around the world. Pacquiao is still a massive drawcard despite his advancing years.
For Horn, this is an extraordinary opportunity. If he beats Pacquiao, he becomes the world champion. It?s the stuff that dreams are made of.
Let?s hope the fight lives up to the hype and the Government?s backing is rewarded with a full house and a wonderful spectacle. It?s a massive coup for the state?s capital.
