Date Confirmed for Jeff Horn-Tim Tszyu Fight

The anticipated boxing bout between former world champion Jeff Horn and Tim Tszyu is definitely on, it was announced today. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk confirmed the fight would be held at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium on Wednesday, August 26. Ms. Palaszczuk said the square-off between Horn and Tszyu was a great coup for Queensland’s tourism industry.

“This blockbuster event will be a big shot in the arm too for the Townsville economy,“ the Premier said. “Jeff Horn is one of Queensland’s favorite sporting stars, I know the people of Townsville and North Queensland will jump at the chance to see him box in their own backyard. “We built the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville to attract world-class sporting and entertainment events and it’s the perfect showcase for the region. “The Elton John concert at the venue was a sellout and I’m confident the Horn v Tszyu fight will be too.

“This is a testament to what new infrastructure can do for tourism and business.” Tickets go on sale on Monday at 2 pm, with an attendance of up to 16,000 fans approved in the COVID-Safe site-specific plan, with seating available in both the stands and on the field. Former World champion Jeff Horn was thrilled when he heard the news. Tourism Minister Kate Jones said initial projections were that the event would drive 8550 visitors to Townsville, generating 24,100 room nights and direct and incremental spend of $5.6m.

“With the capacity available, we believe this event will still drive those numbers for Queensland,” she said. Member for Townsville Scott Stewart urged Aussies to book their tickets. “The coronavirus delivered a hard, below the belt punch for tourism operators everywhere,“ he said. “This fight couldn’t have come at a better time for local businesses.

“Now more than ever before, we all need something to smile about. Having Queensland’s boxing hero Jeff Horn take on Tim Tszyu in our brand-new stadium in Townsville is something to look forward to. “Tickets will sell like hotcakes. We’re urging Queenslanders – don’t miss out on this fight, book now.” Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said events like the Horn fight would play a major role in the city’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our tourism and events industry has taken a major hit as we deal with COVID-19 and it’s encouraging to see it picking back up as restrictions in Queensland ease,” Cr Hill said. “Events like the Horn versus Tszyu fight will play a major role in attracting people back into the region where they will spend money at our accommodation, restaurants, and shops.” Co-promoters Dean Lonergan and Matt Rose are both delighted the fight is back on.

“This is a fight all Australia wants to see and waiting a few more months has only added to the excitement and expectation,” Mr. Lonergan said.

“It’s fantastic that this showdown will still be staged at Townsville’s wonderful new stadium and I applaud the Queensland Government and Tourism Events Queensland for their efforts to help reschedule the fight for August 26.”

Matt Rose also thanked the efforts of the Queensland Government for ensuring the blockbuster is going ahead.