52,500-seat Aussie stadium eyed to host Pacquiao vs Horn fight

MANILA, Philippines – The venue for the fight between Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn has not been finalized yet, but a stadium in Brisbane, Australia’s third largest city, is a favorite to land the hosting rights.

The 52,500-seat Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, which is located the state of Queensland, has a good chance of being picked as the venue for the fight scheduled April 23.

In a report by boxingscene.com, Queensland tourism and major events minister Kane Jones said they have yet to hear from Top Rank Inc. and Duco Events, which represents Horn, about holding the fight at Suncorp.

But Jones claimed the stadium would be the perfect choice.

"Suncorp Stadium is one of the best outdoor sporting venues in the country so I think Queensland would be at an advantage compared to other states," Jones said.

Horn, who will challenge Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight title, earlier said it will be a dream come true for him to face the Filipino icon in front of his countrymen at the massive venue.

"There isn't a bad seat at Suncorp so we've got a real home advantage in having such a great stadium here that would be the perfect place to hold a fight of this magnitude,” added Jones.

Queensland officials are reportedly asking for a site fee of more than $5 million for the fight to be held at Suncorp.

"Like any deal, we always have to look at value for money for taxpayers," Jones said.

In the event a deal can’t be reached for the fight to be held anywhere in Australia, the Middle East is another option for promoters.