Exclusive: Gun boxer Tim Tszyu planning a $13 million world title extravaganza at Suncorp Stadium
First, there was the Jeff Horn-Manny Pacquiao epic at Suncorp Stadium in 2017. Now Horn’s conqueror, Tim Tszyu, is in talks with the Queensland government for a world title shot at Suncorp.
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The Tim Tszyu camp is in talks with the Queensland government to stage a proposed $13 million world title blockbuster this year at Suncorp Stadium.
Tszyu’s promoters have opened negotiations with government officials as the son of Kostya sets his sights on a maiden world title fight at the scene of the Jeff Horn-Manny Pacquiao epic in 2017.
Tszyu’s promoters No Limit Boxing are investigating a number of marquee venues, including Sydney’s Bankwest Stadium and Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium, which hosted Tszyu’s defeat of Horn last August.
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But the memories of 52,000 fans filling Suncorp to watch Horn’s fairytale boilover of Pacquiao have opened Tszyu’s eyes to the prospect of winning a world title at one of Australian sport’s most iconic stadiums.
The unbeaten Tszyu (17-0, 13KO) will move a step closer to his dream with victory over Dennis Hogan in Newcastle on Wednesday week and his management confirmed talks are underway for a Suncorp world-title spectacular.
“We are in discussions about Tim having a world-title fight in Queensland, possibly at Suncorp Stadium,” No Limit chief executive George Rose said.
“If Tim beats Dennis Hogan, he springboards into that mandatory position (for a world-title fight).
“We want it to happen in 2021 and Suncorp Stadium is an attractive option.
“We had a great response from Queensland fans for Tim’s fight with Jeff Horn last year in Townsville and Suncorp is one of the best sporting stadiums in the world.
“It was a great venue for the Horn versus Pacquiao fight and we would love for Tim to have his first world-title shot at Suncorp.”
The Horn-Pacquiao world-title slugfest was a money-spinner for the Queensland government.
Horn’s famous points decision over the Filipino icon turned over more than $16 million, plus an extra $30 million for the Queensland economy in tourism dollars.
It is estimated a Tszyu world-title bout at Suncorp would turn over at least $3 million and be worth an additional $10 million to the Queensland economy.
But there are some hurdles to clear for Tszyu to turn his dream world-title shot into reality.
For a start, Tszyu must dispose of Hogan (28-3-1, 7KO), then await the outcome of a proposed super welterweight unification bout between Brian Castano and Jermell Charlo.
After his eight-round domination of Horn last year, Tszyu was eyeing off a maiden world-title shot against WBO champion Patrick Teixeira, only for the Brazilian to lose to Castano last month.
Tszyu is the WBO’s No. 1-ranked contender and is keeping a close eye on the Castano-Charlo negotiations, with a showdown against Michael Zerafa on the horizon if he is forced to wait longer for a world-title bid.
Rose believes the COVID global pandemic has made Australia an attractive location for international fighters.
“Suncorp would be able to pull a big crowd in the COVID era,” Rose said.
“Global athletes are craving big audiences because other venues around the world are either empty or have limited capacity for their stadium shows.
“We believe thousands of fight fans would love to see Tim fighting for his first world title at Suncorp.
“He has a long career in the sport and will be a long-time champion, so it would be quite historic for any venue if Tim was to fight for his first world title and potentially win the belt.”
Horn welcomed the prospect of another boxing blockbuster at Suncorp.
“Suncorp Stadium is a fantastic stadium for a world-title fight,” he said.
“It is a big stadium but every seat gives you a great view and makes the spectator feel they aren’t far from the action.
“It’s got a great atmosphere … I will never forget walking out to face Manny in front of 50,000 people at Suncorp.”
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