The NSW government believes the Anthony Mundine-Daniel Geale world title fight will add more than $4 million to the state's economy after announcing a deal to back the January 30 bout at Sydney Entertainment Centre.
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The fight, which will be for Geale's IBF belt, is being supported by Destination NSW in a move that Mundine said was a show of faith in boxing after the controversy over the previous state government's funding of the Danny Green-Paul Briggs bout in 2010.
"I know a few other fights didn't go very well and for them to come back on board was great news for us," Mundine said.
NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events George Souris said the fight was expected to draw more than 2000 interstate visitors and generate $4 million in overnight visitor expenditure.
"This announcement reinforces Sydney's position as a global events city, with the NSW sports events calendar fast becoming the benchmark for other states," he said.
"This is the first time two Australian's have fought for the IBF world middleweight title," NSW Sport Minister Graham Annesley said.
The pair's rivalry was on display at yesterday's press conference, with Mundine saying he was having to do most of the promotion and also suggesting that the judges may favour Geale.
