NZ’s Fight of the Century to be staged in Hamilton

24 February, 2009

Media Release New Zealand’s Fight of the Century to be staged in Hamilton

Duco Events, the promoters of the landmark heavyweight bout between David Tua and Shane Cameron, have announced that Hamilton will host the contest on June 6.

Duco Events has undertaken a due diligence of several potential locations and venues for the Fight of the Century. Auckland City offered a meaningful level of contra support to secure the event for the Vector Arena and the professionalism of the staff and the Chief Executive of Vector Arena, Guy Ngata, added to its appeal as a potential venue.

Duco also looked closely at Trusts Stadium in Waitakere and at Westpac Stadium and the indoor TSB Arena in Wellington. Both Councils told the promoters they were ready, willing and able to host the bout. Indeed, Wellington City formally recorded their excitement about the fight and told the promoters they believe it will be “hugely successful”.

Duco’s final decision was based not just on the level of sponsorship contribution but on several variables. “Above all,” stated Duco Director David Higgins, “it was vital that the host city partner demonstrated respect for a landmark event that will focus the enthusiasm and passion of the country.

“On all counts, Hamilton emerged clearly as our first choice. We had a robust negotiation with Hamilton City. It’s fair to say that we did not secure everything we wanted but we believe we have most certainly got an arrangement that delivers value to both parties.”

Higgins acknowledged Gordon Campbell, principal of marketing strategists Campbell Consulting, who undertook impartial research into the costs and benefits of each venue. “Campbell Consulting’s sound advice was instrumental in Hamilton emerging as the preferred venue for the Fight of the Century.”

David Higgins also reinforced the fact that Duco are the promoters of the event, not Hamilton. “This is a totally different situation from recent events in Auckland, where local authorities have themselves been promoters and found themselves exposed to risk they have not been able to manage, “Mr Higgins said.

“Thankfully, Hamilton City Council is not obsessed with David Beckham three months after the fact,” Mr Higgins noted. “This enabled them to see obvious value when it was presented to them and they were efficient, professional and discrete in putting a smart sponsorship arrangement in place, where the promoter carries the risk, not the ratepayers. Good on them. The Hamilton 400 V8 Race is proof of their capability and we look forward to working with their team.”

Waikato Stadium will be fully covered for the event. The promoters will ensure the highest standard of corporate hosting via marquees and there will be a range of general admission seating options to suit most budgets.

The corporate hospitality options will be unique, with every table for ten guests matched with ten corresponding ringside seats.

Fight for Life promoter Dean Lonergan, who is looking after corporate sales for Tua v Cameron, said: “I’m really pleased to be involved with the Fight of the Century. It will be one of the best corporate and sports experiences of the past 20 years. Already the demand from my corporate clientele for the tables and ringside seats is at an unprecedented level.”

The dimensions and sight lines of Waikato Stadium will also provide the best “bird’s eye view” for the general admission spectators because the stands are positioned right on the edge of the rugby turf. The experience will be further enhanced by state of the art video screens and audio.

The boxing ring and ringside seating will be sheltered by a unique 50x50 metre custom-made shelter, capable of withstanding gale force winds and bearing 100 tonnes of weight.

“This contest is shaping up as an epic event,” said Mr Higgins. “On one side is David Tua, who fought for the world title, still jointly holds the world record for the most punches thrown in a heavyweight bout and has been named by boxing’s Bible, Ring Magazine, as the 48th most powerful puncher in the history of boxing.

“On the other side is Shane Cameron, an outstanding talent, renowned for his courage and ranked sixth in the world by the WBO. And an under-card described at the weekend by the Sunday Star Times as ‘genuinely one of the best under-cards yet seen in this country’.

“A great event deserves a great venue and needs great partners. In Hamilton, we’re satisfied we’ve found the best city and venue to stage the Fight of the Century,” said Mr Higgins. “Bring it on!”

David Higgins, Director, Duco Events Promoter, Tua vs. Cameron

ENDS

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