SYDNEY TO HOST AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST FIGHT

Embargoed Monday 17 August, 2009

The Premier of NSW, Nathan Rees today announced that will host the biggest fight ever held in Australia, with Danny Green and Roy Jones Junior set to battle for the World Title in November.

The news follows the knockout win by Danny Green in Mississippi – a victory which secured Green’s third world title in separate divisions.

“After his sensational performance I’m sure Australian fans can’t wait to cheer Danny on in their own backyard,” Mr Rees said.

Green will put his new IBO Cruiserweight belt on the line against Boxing legend Roy Jones Junior – widely regarded as one of the greatest pound for pound fighters of all time.

It will be the first time Jones Jnr he has fought professionally outside of the USA. The title fight is expected to be held on the last weekend in November (28/29).

“This will be the biggest fight ever staged in Australia – and it will be beamed to all points of the globe,” Mr Rees said.

“Sydney gained a global reputation for delivering the biggest and best events - like the Olympics, the Rugby World Cup and World Youth Day.

“Today’s announcement shows Sydney’s stamp of excellence continues to help deliver results.

“Sydney is Australia’s only global city and the NSW Government is proud of that.

“Sydney will host more than 30,000 competitors from all round the world in October at the 2009 World Masters Games.

“And now we are the first city outside the United States to have Roy Jones Jnr in the ring as a professional.”

Roy Jones Junior is the only man to have won World Title belts as a Middleweight, and and Heavyweight.

He once held the WBC, WBA, IBF, IBO, NABF, WBF, and IBA light heavyweight championships at the same time.

“The fact is when it comes to Boxing royalty they do not come any bigger than Roy Jones Jnr,” Mr Rees said.

“His massive following in the United States will ensure huge media and associated coverage for Sydney.”

It is also anticipated more than 5,000 visitors from both overseas and interstate – many from to support Danny Green – will attend the fight.

Mr Rees said the Government would continue to work with EventsNSW and the Green Machine to ensure fans in Western Sydney get to experience as much of the pre-fight build up as possible.

“We are planning a range on promotional events that will accompany the fight, including appearances by both champions and public sparring sessions” Mr Rees said.