BRISBANE will host the Jeff Horn and Manny Pacquiao rematch if this ?high steaks? lunch is anything to go by.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Major Events Minster Kate Jones were deep in conversation with Duco Events director Dean Lonergan and world champ Horn yesterday afternoon.
At the Breakfast Creek Hotel, they laughed and chatted about what is thought to be the finishing touches of a deal that would see the schoolteacher take on the Filipino superstar again on November 12.
The Sunday Mail understands the State Government will offer about $1 million in funding to secure the fight over rival cities. The NSW and Victorian governments are desperate to secure the bout.
Tourism Queensland and Brisbane Marketing are once again negotiating the finer details of the super fight.
Ms Palaszczuk said the pub lunch was a casual affair but confirmed a formal deal was in the making after the first bout provided a $25 million boost to state economy.
?It was an informal discussion, but I can confirm my Government is in advanced formal negotiations to secure the rematch,? the Premier said.
Mr Lonergan said it was too early to call it a done deal but November 12 was a ?favoured date?.
?We have been deep in discussion for the last couple of weeks and Queensland is in to win it,? he said.
?I think we are close (to finalising a deal).?
Horn said he?d only just started training again after time off to rest and recover.
?I?m just getting back into it, starting slowly with some weights and fitness so the body doesn?t get too sore,? he said.
?But might have to step that up depending on the outcome of all this I guess.?
Suncorp Stadium would be specially fitted out for a summer time blockbuster bout with a special floating airconditioning unit above the ring to ensure the fighters don?t overheat during the fight.
