Horn helps out mate in title bid

JEFF Horn is ready to help his mate Dennis Hogan join him as a Brisbane world boxing champion with their Stretton club becoming a major global player in the sport.

Hogan, the world No.3 contender for the WBO 70kg title, has sparred dozens of rounds with 66kg champ Horn and will be training alongside him for the Manny Pacquiao rematch tipped for this summer.

The Irish-born Hogan takes another step toward a world title of his own when he tackles Japan’s world No.9 Yuki Nonaka at the Brisbane Convention Centre on October 14.

Logan powerhouse Alex Leapai, who challenged Wladimir Klitschko for the world heavyweight title in Germany three years ago, will fight on the undercard and Horn’s long-time sparring partner Sam Banney will face Faris Chevalier for the Australian super-middleweight title.

Horn, who returned to training on Monday in preparation for the Pacquiao rematch, said Hogan had the heart of a champion “and I’m sure he will soon turn that heart into a world title belt’’.

“There are no egos at our Stretton Boxing Club,’’ he said.

“Everyone is trying to help each other and we all want to see Dennis crowned world champ.’’