Boxing promoters aim to make Gold Coast the Las Vegas of Australia on back of Tim Tszyu fight

Gold Coast boxing promoters aim to launch the city into Australia’s Las Vegas on the back of the Tim Tszyu and Takeshi Inoue fight.

MAJOR boxing promoters behind one of the biggest Gold Coast fight nights say it will be the first of many in a bid to turn the city into the Las Vegas of Australia.

No Limit Boxing’s co-owners Matt and George Rose are bringing Tim Tszyu’s latest bout to Broadbeach on November 17 and believe the city is ideally placed to be the country’s boxing capital.

Their vision is for multiple major title fights attracting boxing fans for mini-holidays that culminate in one of their shows. It has citywide backing.

Local promoter Billy Cross and No Limit Boxing CEO George Rose meeting at broadbeach ahead of Tim Tsyzu's boxing bout on the Gold Coast. Picture Glenn Hampson

Major Events Gold Coast has tipped in undisclosed financial support for the Tszyu fight – against Japan’s undefeated world number seven super welterweight Takeshi Inoue.

Gold Coast event supremos Cross Promotions are a side partner to activate fight week.

Matt Rose said: “We want to turn Gold Coast into the Vegas of Australia in terms of boxing – so when we stage our events, everyone gets super excited and wants to fly in for the weekend.

“We are not going to get people flying in for November 17 but going forward we believe people will converge – like they do in Vegas.”

The Rose brothers, also sports agents counting NRL star Latrell Mitchell in their stable, represent Tszyu and NRL-star-turned-boxer Paul Gallen, Australia’s only “pay per view” fighters right now.

Tim Tszyu punches Stevie Spark during the WBA Oceania WBO Global super welterweight title fight in July. He’ll take on Takeshi Inoue on the Gold Coast on November 17. Photo: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Matt Rose said the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, with capacity for 6000, was a central location he loved.

“You can’t beat it. Put it this way, in Sydney, it’s 20,000 capacity which is Qudos (Bank Arena) but it’s in middle of nowhere.

“Our ultimate aim is for big fights on the Gold Coast in stadiums.”

George Rose said the Coast ticked every box from accomodation, “excitement” of a party lifestyle, a casino and world-class beaches: “If this event works, we want to come back and keep building to make it the hub for premium boxing events in Australia.”

Cross Promotion co-owner Billy Cross said: “If we do this one well, the sky is the limit.”

Australian boxing superstar Tim Tszyu on top of Rhapsody looking over the Surfers Paradise. Picture Glenn Hampson

Major Events Gold Coast CEO Jan McCormick would not say how much financial support had helped make the Tszyu fight possible but said it was important to support the boxing capital vision and an event with “national and international sell”.

“Hosting the Tim Tszyu fight is something great for the city that could be built on so in five years the Gold Coast will be synonymous with major title fights.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: “I’ve met with major boxing promoters across Australia and the consistent message is this city has every ingredient to be the premier boxing destination in the southern hemisphere.

“At the same time, promoters universally say we are lacking one essential part – a venue that can host 10,000-12,000 patrons in a closed environment. The convention centre has its limits as does our GC Sports and Leisure Centre. Similarly, Cbus and Metricon stadiums are great but it is hard to generate the atmosphere given their size and design. That’s why council is actively exploring a boutique music, events and festival arena.”