Organisers of the highly anticipated super welterweight fight between Jeff Horn and Tim Tszyu on April 22nd expect the event to go ahead, despite the federal government's order to ban mass gatherings to help contain the spread of coronavirus.
On Sunday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared there would be no gatherings of 500 or more people for the foreseeable future, after the nation had seen a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases over the weekend.
However, promoters of the Horn-Tszyu fight say everything is still running to the original schedule.
"The fight is still six weeks away and the current climate surrounding the coronavirus may change before then," a joint statement from promoters Dean Lonergan and Matt rose read. "The Horn vs. Tszyu 'Rumble on the Reef' is still scheduled to be fought on April 22.
"We will review the situation daily and make adjustments to the current plan if required. If we need to change the date we will do so when more information is at hand."
The fight, which will take place at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, will be over 10 rounds with the winner expected to earn a world title shot later in the year.
Tickets for what is expected to be the biggest fight on Australian soil since Horn fought and defeated future Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao in 2017 went on sale on Monday, March 16th.