History shows the region can host fight
IT was a summer’s night in 1997 that Dennis Clancy will never forget.
The Townsville boxing icon was ringside when a Russian-australian certified himself as a bona fide boxing hero.
Kostya Tszyu came to Townsville in December looking to get his career back on track after falling to American Vince Phillips six months prior.
For the first st time in nearly three years, Tszyu was walking around without a world title strapped apped to his waist.
Though it was in Townsville ville where Kostya tya got his mojo ojo back, schooling ng Argentine Ismael Armando do Chaves before ore finishing him m in just the third round.
It was the return that propelled Tszyu yu on to multiple world titles tles and an induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Clancy remembers the bout in front of 12,000 people at Stockland Stadium, now 1300SMILES Stadium, as if it was yesterday.
“It was the fight where people realised you could take him anywhere and this man was going to draw a crowd,” Clancy said.
“The public loved him and his fighting style.
“It was the biggest outdoor crowd for a non-title fight in Australia at the time.”
The name Tszyu may headline another card in Townsville in the near future, with Kostya’s son, Tim, currently on his own journey to world domination.
Tszyu is booked to fight Jeff Horn in an all-australian mega fight on April 22, with Townsville well in the running to secure the bout.
Clancy said it would be a landmark moment for the sport.
“It’s great to see his young fella all these years later perhaps coming back,” he said.
“His father filled the old stadium and he (Tim) can fill the new one. There’s something pretty special about that.”
Clancy said the fight could be the biggest on Australian soil since Anthony Mundine and Danny Green clashed for the first time in 2006.
He said it was great the city was in the conversation to stage the marquee evening.
“It would be massive, not only for boxing but it shows Townsville can compete with all the big cities for major events. Big concerts, rugby games and so on.
“The new stadium has put us in a great position and it’s a good thing for all of North Queensland.
“They’ll come from all over Australia for this fight. The fight is going to be huge and Townsville has so much for people to do while they’re here.” Clancy praised the State Government for trying to bring the spectacle north, even if it could be at the expense of Brisbane.
“It’s going to showcase the region to the world,” he said.
“The TV coverage will go into the Pacific, into Europe and into America. Townsville will get unbelievable exposure.
“You could fill up the stadium every second weekend if there’s big events on. They’ll get money back for the investment they’ve made.”
As for who he thinks will win the blockbuster battle, Clancy is siding with The
Hornet.
“I think it’s going to be an interesting fight with their contrasting styles.
“Tim’s movement, skills and style against Horn’s forward movement and toughness.
“It’s going to be a big job for Tim. When Jeff is fit and on his game he is one of the toughest fighters in the world.
“At this stage I’m leaning towards Horn.
“Horn is a descendant of some of the last cattle drovers from out around Longreach and Mount Isa. Toughness is in his blood.”